Howard "Keith" Hackney

Mr. Howard “Keith” K. Hackney, age 86, of McCook, NE passed away with his family by his side on Monday, November 10, 2025, at his home in McCook.

Keith was born on his grandmother’s farm in Oberlin, Kansas on March 23, 1939. He was raised in McCook, Nebraska, where he graduated from McCook High School. He went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Milford Votech College.

In 1960 Keith married Diane Morgan. Together, they welcomed three children: Cindy, Beth, and Jim. In 1991, he married Helen (Grasz) Barber, with whom he continued to raise her son, Michael and daughter, Lori, as his own.

Keith’s professional life was marked by dedication and service. He began his career as a butcher and later spent many years with the State Patrol, serving as a dispatcher and state of Nebraska engineer. His strong work ethic and passions defined much of his life’s work.

A man of many passions, Keith was known for his love of history and storytelling. He possessed a remarkable memory and could captivate anyone with tales of wars, regional events, and crime stories from Nebraska and Kansas.

Keith was also an avid car enthusiast, taking great pride in his collection-most notably his 1955 pink Chevy Belair. Whether repairing an automobile or carefully assembling model cars, he found joy and fulfillment in the craft.

Animals held a special place in Keith’s heart. His compassion extended to all creatures—rescuing baby opossums and nursing them until they could be released, reviving his beloved dog, and regularly treating his animals to McDonald’s cheeseburgers. Each animal, no matter how small, was deeply valued and cared for.

Throughout his life, Keith enjoyed traveling with Helen, his children, and grandchildren. Together, they explored near and far, taking in historical sites, appreciating nature, ensuring the safety of animals along the way, and savoring local cuisines.

In his final days, Keith found great joy in sharing that he had enjoyed “the best cheeseburger” and took comfort in knowing he would soon be reunited with his son, daughter, grandmother Hattie, and parents in the arms of Jesus.

Keith is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Cindy Waddell, son Jim Hackney, grandson Lane Barber, and both maternal and paternal grandparents.

Those left to celebrate Keith’s life are his wife, Helen Hackney of McCook, NE, children Michael (Ersilda)Barber of Jackson, WY, Beth (Jeff) Crick of McCook, NE and Lori (Travis) Ayers of Summerville, SC, daughter in law Michelle Hackney of Firestone, CO, twelve grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the McCook Humane Society, PO Box 13, McCook, NE 69001 or McCook Community Hospital and Hospice, 1301 East H Street, McCook, NE 69001