Gavin McKinney

(From Parker Mortuary)

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Gavin Lee McKinney, age 19, of Joplin, Missouri, who left us on Sunday, June 28th, 2026. Gavin is preceded in death by his Great Grandma (Dolores Lacey) and his cousin (Joey Presley).

Born August 12, 2006 to Travis and Adrianne McKinney, Gavin brought an immeasurable amount of joy, light, and laughter into this world.

Gavin was a vibrant, outgoing soul with the most infectious laugh and passion for life. From an early age Gavin enjoyed creating anything he could. From painting and drawing pictures for family and friends, to living room breakdancing and science experiments with his brother and sister. He loved all of his many pets in life, most of all his best bud Rufus T. Haze. He was always thrilled when a new baby would be born into the family and always made it his goal to have the little ones laughing and playing at every chance he had.

Gavin went to school in both Joplin and Neosho, making countless friends along the way, before graduating online from Penn Foster Highschool in July of 2024.Throughout his teenage years Gavin found joy in endless activities including paintball, shooting guns (especially with his dad, brother and Papa Don), playing video games, fishing, hunting, kayaking, riding his motorcycle and so much more. He did everything to the fullest and with the most joy anyone could ever do anything.

In the Fall of 2024 Gavin joined the Neosho BJJ, a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu gym. During his time with the gym over the last two years he learned Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under his head coach, Professor Shiloh Burchfield. While training with Professor Shiloh, Gavin had found a new passion in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, as well as a second family in the friends he had made. He would go train and spar with his friends every chance he had. Through Neosho BJJ Gavin would compete in tournaments as one of The Power Rangers. He had recently become entry level MMA and was looking forward to a future of professional fighting as The Pink Power Ranger.

Outside of his hobbies, Gavin had followed in his fathers footsteps with a career in fireplaces, ending his career under Victor and Joni Ferguson with The Fireplace Shop of Joplin, Missouri.

Gavin had a unique gift of being able to make everyone around him laugh and always encouraged the people he knew within their own journeys, cheering them on along the way. He was the most kind, funny, caring, genuine and loyal young man. Whether it was Jiu-jitsu, shooting, hiking, riding his motorcycle, working or helping someone he loved, Gavin approached everything he did with untouched excitement and enthusiasm.

Gavin leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness. He will forever be desperately missed and lovingly remembered by his father, Travis McKinney, his brother and partner in crime, Gage McKinney (Shelby Dunaway), his sister, Ivy Kephart (Jessiah Riner), his Grandma, Peggy Kephart, his Mema, Debbie McKinney, his Papa, Don McKinney, his nephews, Kyrian and Grayson and countless Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends, who had become family to him.

A celebration of Gavin’s life will be held on Thursday, July 9th, 2026, with a ceremony 5:00pm - 6:00pm and an open viewing 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Parker Mortuary, located at 1502 S Joplin Avenue, Joplin, Missouri. We invite all who knew and loved him to come and share their favorite memories. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the GoFundMe established for them. Every donation will go directly towards helping them with expenses.

https://gofund.me/9f6ef3da9

Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.