Thomas John McKenna, Jr (Tom aka "Shorty"), of Arlington, TX, 75, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, August, 27, 2021.

Born in Bryan, TX on August 3, 1946, to Thomas John McKenna and Ocie Ola McKenna, Tom served in the US Army on active duty in Vietnam and received the following: Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal along with being an Expert M-16 and Sharpshooter M-14. He was a Texas A&M graduate, Class of '79.Wearing his ring proudly and never taking it off. Tom was destined to become a teacher.He was a retired teacher from the Arlington Independent School District, where he taught woodworking for many years.He had a passion for golf, carving sculptures and bowls, making knives and leather vests.He loved creating things with his hands and was known for his own meat rub and barbeque sauce.He was also a collector of many things including coins and golf clubs.Tom was always there for you when friends and family needed assistance and for that and so many more reasons he will be greatly missed. Most important to him was his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren for which he loved very much.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife - Bernita Ann McKenna, Daughter - Melissa McKenna Malone (James Malone – Son-in-law and McKenna Jo Malone – Granddaughter) of Highland Village, TX; Granddaughter - Lauren McKenna, currently serving in the US Navy, of San Diego, CA; Daughter – Dana Necaise of Arlington, TX; Granddaughter - Brooke Ballew (Chris Ballew – Grandson-in-law and Great Grandsons - Dylan and Slade) of Waxahachie, TX; Grandson - Clint Price (Jessica Price – Granddaughter-in-law and Great Grandson - Lincoln) of White Settlement, TX; Grandson – Cody Necaise of Stephenville, TX; Daughter - Denise Selby of Decatur, TX; Granddaughter – Nikki Wheeler (Jared Wheeler – Grandson-in-law and Great Granddaughters - Kinlee and Kenadee) of Decatur, TX; Granddaughter – Trisha Witty (David Witty – Grandson-in-law and Great Grandson - Wyatt) of Decatur, TX; Granddaughter – Alexandria "Alex" Selby (Great-granddaughter - Rosalyn) of Decatur, TX; Son – Ty Burkhart (Tanya Burkhart – Daughter-in-law and Granddaughter - Jacqueline) of Dallas, TX; Brother – David McKenna (Sister-in-law - Cheryl McKenna), as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his son, Thomas John McKenna, III; father, Thomas John McKenna, mother, Ocie Ola McKenna; and brother, George McKenna.

Tom was a Life Gift donor and will live on in life through others.

Final arrangements are being handled by Noble Cremations of Arlington TX. A Military Honor Service will be held at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at 3:00 P.M.In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made to Life Gift in his honor.

On-line donations: https://www.gifttool.com/donations/Donate?ID=1990&AID=1646