More detail on this person: Hubert Francis McKenney Jr, died peacefully on March 20, 2015, at his daughter's home in Colonial Heights, VA. He was born January 8, 1933, in Yates Center, Kansas, son of Hubert F. McKenney Sr and Josephine Coleman. Hugh flew helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in the Army, retiring as a Major following a 20-year career that included tours in Iran, Vietnam, and Korea. He then pursued a second career as a lawyer after earning his J.D. in Law and Master of Taxation from the College of William & Mary Marshall-Wythe School of Law. Hugh served as a prosecutor for the City of Norfolk for nearly 14 years, retiring as a Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney. His favorite pastime was golfing with his friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Dorothy "Dot" Elizabeth Heywood and his first wife, Martha Elizabeth Armstrong. He is survived by his children, Rich (Lisa) McKenney, Cindy (Wade) Davis and John (Lori) McKenney Sr; his step-daughter, Paulette (Doug) Chessen; 10 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Hugh battled a rare form of cancer for over a year before his death. He was more than ready to meet his Lord and be reunited with Dot in heaven. Abraham Lincoln was quoted as saying, "And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It is the life in your years." Hugh's years were full of life, and he enriched the lives of all who knew him. He will be missed by his family and friends more than words can express, but we take great comfort in knowing he is with God and his suffering is over. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, March 27th in The Suburban Christian Church in Virginia Beach with The Rev. Todd Haynes officiating. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel is handling arrangements. "Dot and Hugh will be memorialized in a joint service honoring their love and life together." Online condolences may be made at www.hdoliver.com.
This information was last updated 04/15/2025
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list
Return to VHPA web site
Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
Copyright © 1998 - 2025 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association