Ken McMinn

Robert Kenneth McMinn

May 23, 1942 – April 2, 2024

Robert Kenneth “Ken” McMinn passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from Parkinson’s Disease surrounded by loving family members.

Ken will be remembered for his patience, kindness, faith, and his talent for woodworking. He was a talented card player, excelling at Bridge. He also was an accomplished dominos player, often playing online with his brothers, Larry and James. Ken had a deep faith in Christ and because of this amidst our deep mourning, we are comforted knowing he is in the loving embrace of our heavenly Father.

Ken was born May 23, 1942, in Hale Center, TX, the fourth of five children. He attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX on a football scholarship where he majored in Physical Education. While in college, Ken met his wife of 59 years, Sidney Skarda McMinn. They were married in 1965 in Clovis, NM. During his last days, he often steered conversations to how very much he loved his wife, Sidney. Together Ken and Sidney faithfully served each church they attended through the years.

He joined Army ROTC during university. He served in the Vietnam War beginning in 1965. Upon exiting full time Army service in 1975 as a Captain, he remained in the Army Reserves until retiring in 2002 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He had a long career with the FAA and retired as an Aviation Safety Inspector for Flight Standards. During his career, he earned his pilot’s license and taught many people to pilot small aircraft.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Robert Ezell McMinn; mother, Eva Dean Padgett McMinn; sister, Betty McMinn Haney; and brothers James McMinn and Jerry McMinn. He is survived by his wife Sidney Skarda McMinn; brother, Larry McMinn; daughters, Michelle McMinn Bowman and Amy McMinn Maingault; son-in-law Will Bowman; and grandchildren, Caroline Maingault, Andrew Bowman, and Kaitlyn Bowman.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 9:00 am at the McDonald & Son Funeral home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, Georgia. The funeral service will commence at 10:00 am at the same venue. A graveside service will follow at 11:15 am at Sawnee View Memorial Gardens, 1390 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, Georgia.

In commemorating Ken’s life, we encourage everyone to share their cherished memories and upload photos to his memorial page. As we remember Ken, let's celebrate his life, honor his legacy, and keep his spirit alive in our hearts. Your stories, pictures, and messages of condolences will serve as a comforting reminder of the love he spread and the lives he touched.