Vernon L. McKinzie

Vernon L. McKinzie, of Emporia, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Emporia Presbyterian Manor in Emporia, Kansas, at the age of 89.

Vernon Leon McKinzie was born on September 22, 1936, in Bluejacket, Oklahoma, to G.W. “Dutch” and Katharine (Davis) McKinzie. His family later moved to Lane, Kansas, where he graduated from Lane High School. It was there that he met Nancy Barrett, the young woman who would become the love of his life. The two were married on February 8, 1958, in Lawrence, Kansas, and together they built a life grounded in faith, family, hard work, and a shared sense of adventure.

Vernon earned his bachelor’s degree in entomology from the University of Kansas in 1958. In 1960, he and Nancy made their home in Emporia, where they opened a branch of Schendel Pest Control. They later purchased the business and renamed it McKinzie Pest Control. Vernon took great pride in his work and in the relationships he built through the pest control industry, serving twice as president of the Kansas Pest Control Association and later as president of the National Pest Management Association. He and Nancy were devoted members of Grace United Methodist Church, where Vernon served as lay reader and faithfully filled many other roles over the years.

He also gave generously of his time through the church’s Boy Scout Troop 165, serving in several roles, including Scoutmaster, and was honored with the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America in recognition of his dedication.

Vernon was an enthusiastic supporter of Emporia State University Athletics, and he and Nancy especially enjoyed attending games and cheering on the Hornets together. They also shared a love of travel and made treasured memories visiting 49 of the 50 states, taking a memorable road trip from Emporia to Alaska, and traveling to Australia and New Zealand.

Vernon also served his community as a member of the Emporia Kiwanis Club, and the Lyon County Commission and as liaison between the Commission and contractors during construction of the Lyon County Courthouse.

Vernon enjoyed woodworking and handcrafted many unique pieces for family members created with lumber harvested from his parents’ family farm.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Nancy, his sons and daughters-in-law, Steve (Kayla) McKinzie and Phil (Pam) McKinzie, his sister, Audean Paul, his grandchildren, Beth (Zach) Deaver, Joel (Vanessa) McKinzie, Roarke McKinzie, Pierce McKinzie, and Seth McKinzie; his great-granddaughter, Hope Josephine Deaver; and his niece and nephew, Amanda Paul and Darrin Paul.

Cremation is planned. Memorial services will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in Emporia, Kansas, at a date to be announced.

A memorial has been established with Grace United Methodist Church. Contributions may be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801, which is assisting with arrangements.