Clair and Jeremy McKinnis – Community and Trade Scholarship Funds
In honor of Clair McKinnis and Jeremy McKinnis, two funds have been set up in their names for trade scholarships and community support. Further details are below:
**********Want to skip ahead? Be sure to designate the donation to the funds below, you can skip to the donation link, by clicking HERE.
Clair and Jeremy McKinnis Community Fund* – This fund will help provide monetary support to community projects in the Washington County area.
Clair and Jeremy McKinnis Trade Scholarship Fund* – This fund allows for college scholarships to be given out to future students that choose a trade field. (For example, roofing, construction, welding, mechanic, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.) The scholarship committee will review student applicants to ensure that they meet the requirements of the scholarship. It is up to the committee on how many scholarships will be given out as this could vary year to year.
CASH/CHECKS:
Make the check out to Washington County Community Foundation
Mailing Address: 1646 Washington Street, Blair, NE 68008.
Memo line or include a note: Donation to Clair and Jeremy McKinnis Community Fund OR Clair and Jeremy McKinnis Trade Scholarship Fund. ***If you do not do this step, the foundation will choose how to designate the funds.
ONLINE DONATIONS:
***For Step by Step Directions on how to place a donation online by Debit/Credit Card on the Washington County Foundation Website Click HERE or you can view the details below the bios.
Clair McKinnis
Clair McKinnis of Blair, NE, passed away on March 2, 2020. He was born on January 5, 1931, to Clarence and Ruth (Marr) McKinnis. After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Gwen Sass, and they were blessed with 65 years together.
Clair worked for Korshoj Construction until going out on his own and forming McKinnis Construction. He built his company and reputation as a trusted and reliable masonry contractor with attention to detail, long-standing customer relationships, and a commitment to quality work for over 40 years. He was a model of what it means to live a life of service to others, most obviously shown by his active role in the Blair Fire and Rescue Squad. He joined the fire department in 1954 and was active for more than 60 years. Clair was a charter member of Blair Rescue Squad, which was formed in 1964. Following his actions during a fire at a Blair home, he was awarded the Knights of Aksarben’s Heroism Award in 1978. Clair’s faith was very important to him, both he and Gwen were active and devoted members of the County Bible Church.
Through the years, he was a steadfast attendee of countless Little League games, birthday parties, and family outings. Later in life, you could often find Clair working hard on a puzzle or gathered around a game table with his closest friends. Quick to pick up on the small, funny aspects of life, his sense of humor was always on display during a hand of Euchre or a game of dominoes.
Jeremy McKinnis
Jeremy David McKinnis, age 40 of Blair, passed away on January 9, 2022. Jeremy was born on July 24, 1981, in Blair, Nebraska the son of David and Kathy McKinnis and Kerrie and Bob Anderson. He was raised in Blair and attended Blair Community Schools where he wrestled from when he was young all through high school. He met the love of his life, Nicole Larimore when he was in the seventh grade. Jeremy graduated from Blair High School in 2000. He then attended Southeast Community College in Milford where he was on the Dean’s List, earning his degree in Business Construction Management. After graduation, Jeremy returned to Blair and continued to work with his father at McKinnis Roofing and Sheet Metal. He would go on to become the President of the company in 2021. His co-workers would say he was very knowledgeable and was the go-to person for questions about estimates, in addition to being able to handle any project that was thrown at him.
On June 17, 2006, Jeremy was united in marriage to Nicole at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Blair. The couple was blessed with two children: Boston and Claire. Following his grandfather and father’s footsteps, Jeremy became a dedicated member of the Blair Fire and Rescue Squad where he served for 10 years. Jeremy was a member of St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church. Jeremy enjoyed hunting with family and friends, golfing, spending time at the lake, and traveling to Florida. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan. Jeremy especially cherished the time he spent with Nicole, Boston, and Claire on family adventures that he would plan. Jeremy will always be remembered for his love of people, his willingness to help others, and his passion for life.
HOW TO DONATE – DEBIT or Credit Card:
1. Go to https://www.washcocommfoundation.org/make-a-donation/
2. Click on the Bright Yellow Button, Donate Now!
3. Click on “Add Organization”
4. From the Drop Down – Choose either “Clair and Jeremy McKinnis Community Fund or Clair and Jeremy McKinnis Trade Scholarship Fund”
5. Enter the Donation Amount, Special Instructions, or Message, and if you wish to remain anonymous or not.
6. The Donation Designation is now filled out. Continue filling out your personal information and your credit card details.
7. After your contact details and credit card information is filled out – click “Make Donation”
