A life in medicine

In Memoriam: Max T. McKinney II, DO, former AOA Board member

A celebration will honor the life of Dr. McKinney and his contributions to the osteopathic medical profession.

Topics
Editor’s note: Max T. McKinney II, DO, was a former member of the AOA’s Board of Trustees. The following is an edited version of an obituary provided by his family.

Max T. McKinney II, DO, 83, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, died Dec. 27.

Dr. McKinney healed and counseled thousands of patients in his 32 years of practicing family medicine.

He completed one year of graduate studies before being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was on active duty for six months. As a company commander, he rose to the rank of captain, and served for another eight years in the Army Reserves.

Dr. McKinney began a career as a detail man with E.R. Squibb and Sons pharmaceutical company in Michigan. But his dream of becoming a doctor remained alive, heightened as he called upon area physicians and pharmacists. After completing necessary prerequisites, he applied to and was accepted at what is now the Des Moines (Iowa) University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

After finishing his training, Dr. McKinney started a family medicine practice partnership with Richard Knight, DO, in Michigan. The partnership continued until Dr. Knight’s retirement in 2002, at which time Dr. McKinney incorporated the Farmington Hills Family Health Care practice.

He contributed his time and experience to a broad range of professional organizations, and in many cases served in a leadership capacity. Dr. McKinney received numerous important honors throughout his professional life. These include a fellowship in the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians; Alumnus of the Year from Des Moines University / Osteopathic Medical Center; Distinguished Lifetime Award from the Michigan Hospital Association; Distinguished Service Award from Botsford Hospital; Distinguished Lifetime Award from the Michigan Osteopathic Association; the Walter F. Patenge Public Service Award from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) in East Lansing; two Presidential Citations from the Michigan Osteopathic Association, and a renamed Max McKinney Leadership Award from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. In 2007, Dr. McKinney presented the graduation keynote address at MSUCOM.

A celebration of Dr. McKinney’s life will be held from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Glen Oaks Country Club in Farmington Hills, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. McKinney’s name to the MOA Charitable Fund, 2445 Woodlake Circle, Okemos, MI 48864, or to a charity of your choice.

Dr. McKinney is survived by his wife, Marilyn McKinney; sons Todd (Jackie Fortino) McKinney, Kevin McKinney and Kirk McKinney; grandchildren Alexander (Jessica) Rossman, Colleen (Ryan) Vargovich, Anne Fortino, Jonathan McKinney, Connor McKinney, Lillian McKinney, Theodora McKinney, Zoe McKinney and Cobhan McKinney; sister Nancy Peters, and brothers Eugene McKinney and John (Mary) McKinney.

2 comments

  1. Adam F. Dachman, DO, FACOS

    I knew Dr. McKinney as I attended Des Moines University back in the 1980’s. Then, when I did my residency at Botsford General, Farmington Hills MI, he was again in my life. A fine physician, a finer person and a great contributor to our profession, Max was a good man. I am saddened by his passing, but glad I knew him. Rest In Peace, Dr. McKinney and condolences to your family.

  2. Linda Rade Baker

    I was a young medical assistant working in Farmington when a young Dr. Richard Knight joined our office. Not long after that and a young Dr. Max McKinney joined. what a joy he was to work with. He always spoke of his wife and children. I left the office and in 1972 had my first child at Botsford….both Dr Knight and Dr. Mckinney were in the delivery room. wonderful memories of a handsome, warm and honest man. I am just learning that he has passed. my heart felt condolences to his family!

Leave a comment Please see our comment policy