Leon E. McKinney, 74, formerly of 36 Upsala St, died Monday Sept. 29, 2008 in Beaumont Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, Northbridge. His wife of 31 years, Ruth J. (Daigneault) McKinney died in 1997.

   He leaves four sons, John Burbo, Randy Burbo, Leon Burbo, and Alan McKinney; six daughters, Ruth Rivard, Jean Ortiz, Debra Burbo, Mildred Courtney, Bonnie Burbo and Lorna Liberty; many grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Hearst and her husband Howard of Milton, VT., and Phyllis McKinney of Greensboro, VT.; a brother-in-law, Roland Wickstrom of Jacksonville, FL.; and nephews and nieces.

   A sister, Lillian Wickstrom died before him. He was born in Troy, VT., a son of Leon E. and Glenna (Bickford) McKinney and lived in Worcester for many years.

   Mr. McKinney owned and operated the McKinney Tire Co. from 1972 to 1984. He then worked part � time as a school bus driver for R.H. White Co., Auburn. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Leon was a longtime horseshoe player and was a horseshoe champion. He also enjoyed going to the casino. Leon’s family wishes to thank the Staff of Beaumont Rehabilitation and the staff of Evercare Hospice for their loving care and support.

   The funeral will be held on Thursday Oct. 2, 2008 from DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton St, with a Mass at 10:00 a.m in St. Peter’s Church, 931 Main St. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours in the funeral home are Wednesday Oct. 1, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.