Chad McKinzie , 44, of Woodlawn passed away Sunday, February 23, 2020 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. He was born on August 6, 1975 the son of Richard and Pamela (McNelly) McKinzie in Centralia. He married his best friend, Heather Sloat on July 6, 2002 in Carlyle and she survives in Woodlawn.

Along with his wife, Heather McKinzie survivors that will remember Chad as a loving and protective family man include his treasured daughters, Caitlyn McKinzie of Mt. Vernon, Baylie McKinzie and significant other Brett Phillips of Woodlawn, Arianna McKinzie of Woodlawn, and Danielle McKinzie of Woodlawn; expecting, in July, a precious grandson; loving parents, Richard and Pam McKinzie of Woodlawn; paternal grandfather, Roy McKinzie of Centralia; caring sister, Angie Schrader and husband Kevin of Coulterville; special nephew, Brody Schrader of Coulterville. Chad was preceded in death by maternal grandmother, Stella Foutch; maternal grandfather, Joe McNelly; and paternal grandmother, Edna McKinzie.

Chad grew up in his hometown of Woodlawn and graduated from Centralia High School the Class of 1994. He was a hard worker and an amazing provider for his family as a loyal employee for Clinton County Material Corporation where he drove a semi-truck. Chad had a mechanical mind and thoroughly enjoyed time restoring and rebuilding classic cars. He knew the benefit of relaxing by the water, fishing for whatever would bite on his lure. He had a green thumb and grew flourishing vegetable and beautiful flower gardens. Chad's family loved to eat his tasty apple pies that he would make for his grateful family from scratch. He took advantage of spending time in the great outdoors hunting deer and trapping raccoons. Chad lived his life for the betterment of his family and was always there for his girls. Each memory of laughter and love that Chad shared with those he loved will live on in their hearts.

A celebration of life service will be held at 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Kevin Cox officiating. A visitation time will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 P.M. Thursday, February 27, 2020 at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Chad's honor in lieu of flowers to the family's wishes to go to the care of his girls. Online condolences and memories of Chad may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home's Facebook page.