Toni Michelle Mckinney

Toni Michelle McKinney

Toni Michelle McKinney the daughter of Victor Leon and Lynda Sue (Mansfield) Slape was born December 11, 1976 at Danville, AR and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 4, 2025 at the age of 48 (forever 29). Toni was united in marriage to Boulder McKinney on May 6, 2000. They recently renewed their wedding vows on the beach for their 25th anniversary. To this union two children were born: Hunter Don McKinney, and Morgan Raine McKinney.

Toni grew up in Centerville, MO, moving to Kansas City, MO finally ending in Houston, MO where she graduated from High School. Toni attended Central Christian College in McPherson, KS receiving her BS degree in business.

Toni was a faithful and active member of Faith Fellowship Church where she served as children’s pastor alongside her husband Boulder. She was also a select member of the infamous Bethany Wells Book Club.

Toni enjoyed reading, going to the beach, reading, spending time with family, reading, attending kids sporting events, training lifeguards, teaching swim lessons, coaching swim teams, going on trips with Boulder, yelling at contestants on Wheel of Fortune, and reading.

In April 2025, the City of Houston renamed the municipal pool the Toni McKinney City of Houston Municipal Pool to honor the impact she had on this community. She started as a lifeguard in 1993, and put in decades of service as a coach, manager, mentor and one of the most respected lifeguard instructors in the State of Missouri. Toni and her family were honored at this special dedication.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Ralph Leon and Leota Slape, and Ray and Betty Mansfield; also honorary grandmothers: Madge Elmore and Marcella McKinney.

Surviving are her husband Boulder; son Hunter, and daughter Morgan, all of Houston, MO; her parents, Leon and Lynda Slape of Houston, MO; her sister, Kimberly and husband Chris Abeyta of Colorado and their children: Ciara, Taryn and her husband Scott, and Canyon; sister, Kristy and husband, Joel Childers of Springfield, MO and their children Christian and wife Ashley, their son Liam; Faith and Bethel; her father in law, Debo McKinney of Houston, MO; mother in law, Sharyn McKinney of Springfield, MO; brother in law, Todd McKinney, and daughter, Alba, of Houston, MO; her aunt/honorary sister, Terri Elmore of Willow Spring, MO; along with a “plethora” of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Last but not least, her four-legged faithful canine companion, Sophie.

Toni was instrumental in helping start the YMCA in Hartville, MO. Followed by working as the Registration Director at TCMH Hospital in Houston, MO. She then began her most rewarding career at Burch Insurance in Houston, MO where her clients became beloved friends and her coworkers were family.

Toni was a person of strong faith with a never-give-up attitude. Her passion for Christ gave her the ability to fight, overcome, and receive her reward. She was not afraid to fail, which made her successful in all areas of her life. Her impact on family, friends, and community will leave a lasting legacy. She will be greatly missed.

2 Timothy 4:7, 8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to the Hunter and Morgan McKinney Education Fund at Progressive Ozark Bank.  Donation envelopes will also be available at the Celebration of Life Service.