Ruben James McKinney, age 69, of Havre, died November 19, 2012, from pancreatic cancer. His funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the Van Orsdel United Methodist Church. His burial will be held at the Kuper Memorial Cemetery in Chinook, Montana at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, Ruben would like you to remember him with donations to: Montana Innocence Project, P.O. Box 7607 Missoula, MT 59807 or to a person's choice.Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Ruben was born in Neihart, MT, April 1, 1943, in a half slab, half log house, delivered by his grandmother Ethena McKinney. Ruben grew up in Zortman, Landusky, Hilger and Lewistown. He enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged on September 27, 1967. Ruben married Wanda Bahr, January 28, 1968 in Havre. He was very active in his community, serving in Jaycees, honored with a Senatorship. He was also a life member of the VFW, life member of the DAV, member of the American Legion, and member of the First Baptist Church. Ruben was an avid gun collector, shooter, and hunter. He referred to himself as the worst fisherman in the world, but said he enjoyed every minute he spent fishing. He gained friends in all corners of the state as he spent many years on the road selling advertising, owned and operated the 3rd Avenue Barbershop, and continued to help his friends out in the barbering community, giving many a kid his or her first haircut. He ran twice for the House of Representative seat on the Republican ticket, staying active in his party always. Ruben was a proud member of the VFW Honor Guard, "happy to serve" as often as possible, providing final honors at numerous military funerals. He was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin T. McKinney and Irene Blevins; Ray and Lucille Beattie and his daughter in-law Robin McKinney. Ruben is survived by his wife of 44 years, Wanda Bahr McKinney, sons David McKinney and Benjamin McKinney, daughters Sarah Griffith and Sheri Campbell, grandchildren Julie, Jacob, Tyler, Johnny, and Dylan, Brother Doug Kolczak and family, brother Bruce Beattie and family, sister Peggy Proctor and family, Aunt Belle McKinney, and several nieces and nephews. Ruben is survived by several extended family members, but wished to make special note of his cousin and lifelong friend, Danny Williams.