Rev. Dale Franklin McKinney, 91, of Hope, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2010, in Hope. He was born February 15, 1919, in Patmos, Arkansas to Ira O. Bud Black and Flora Fidelia Ward Black. He was adopted by Verna Ward and Avery Ingram McKinney. He attended Prescott Public Schools in Nevada County and voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Navy on April 8, 1938 and served until August 13, 1945. He served on the DD367 USS Lamson and was home ported at Peart Harbor, T.H. December 7, 1941 and served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operation participating in seven battles. He received two bronze stars, purple heart, Presidential Unit Citation, WWII Victory Medal and Naval Commendation. His ship joined the search in 1938 for missing aviator, Amelia Earhart. He was a retired signman from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, District 3 office in Hope. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Hope, Arkansas and the Century Bible Class. As a Lay Pastor, he served Moscow, Pleasant Ridge, Harmony, Rocky Hill and Mount Moriah churches, all in Nevada County, Arkansas. He was a member of the American Legion; 15 years with Arkansas Highway and Transportation Dept. Retirees Assoc., District 3.; Hope Centennial Beau Captain Team # 2; and American Cancer Society- Hempstead County Unit. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Alvin Maple Black, Everett Black, Otha Black and Ivan Black; and one sister, Evelyn Black Lee. HIS SURVIVORS INCLUDE: HIS WIFE: (of 65 years) Helen Shepherd McKinney, Hope, Arkansas. Special Family Members: Richard and Jeanie King; Brenda Ruth and Scott Beigle; and Dr. David Herbert Shepherd. Four Favorite Brother-In-Laws: Thomas Shepherd and Ruth, Birmingham, AL. George Shepherd, Peoria, ILL. John Shepherd and Grace, Trinidad, Texas. Warren Shepherd and Jackie, Columbus, MS. AND A NUMBER OF NIECES AND NEPHEWS AND OTHER RELATIVES AND FRIENDS. FUNERAL SERVICE will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2010, at First United Methodist Church, Hope, Arkansas, with Rev. Steve Johnson, Rev, Richard King and Rev. Larry Byers officiating. Burial to follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Hope, Arkansas. Arrangements by Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral Home, Hope, Arkansas. FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS: Tuesday, April 6, 2010, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home, Hope, Arkansas.