Duane Alton McKenna

duane mckenna
Duane Alton McKenna, died July 1, 2020 at his residence, Brightview Great Falls. Born 97 years ago in Sioux Falls, SD, he served in the Army Air Force from 1943-46 before graduating from the University of South Dakota with an art degree. Upon moving to Washington, D.C. he was an award-winning illustrator for the Dept. of Navy, art director for a national TV and radio magazine, and faculty member of the USDA grad school. In 1956 he joined the art department of U.S. News and World Report, retiring in 1984 as Assoc. Art Director.

Duane met his wife Elizabeth when a mutual friend invited them to a friendly tennis game. It was a match made in heaven and a doubles partnership that would last nearly 70 years. They married in 1950 and raised four children in McLean, where they lived until 2005. Their world travels, spanning 30 years, are illustrated in his numerous sketchbooks. As a resident of Asbury Methodist Village, (2005-19) he penned a monthly cartoon “Mac and Zil” for the Village Life paper. Throughout his life, he created many art treasures, hand-made valentines for his wife, Christmas and birthday cards for family and friends, and he continued to play tennis.

Duane is survived by Elizabeth, four children, Anne (Fredericksburg), Kirsten (McLean), Greg (Cumming GA) and Matt (Portland, OR), five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. A service and interment will take place at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church at a later date. Memorials may be made to the LPC memorial fund.

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  1. I was the little seven year old that moved into the house next door to the McKennas in 1959. There was always something in Mr. McKenna’s hand…if it wasn’t an artist’s brush then perhaps it was a tennis racquet, or a shovel to work in the garden — a garden which was the envy of every neighbor. Little did he know his love of art imprinted on me. It wasn’t unusual to see a sketch pad, a canvas in progress or a wet palette “waiting in the wings” on the porch. I watercolor and acrylic paint to this day; and my love of gardening, canning, and preserving was likely inspired by the McKennas. They were resourceful and creative, and clearly touched my life in ways they likely never realized. It’s difficult to talk about one without the other. I likened them to the Walton’s! Good wholesome living with time dedicated to family creating lasting impressions and memories for their children…and others!


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