Damon McKinney was born in Pekin, Illinois, and he attended school at Seiling High School in Seiling, Oklahoma. After high school, Damon went to college at Southern Arkansas University, in Magnolia, Arkansas. He met his wife, Amy McKinney, when they were both working at Lowes. She says, “This man could always make me laugh, and within a year, we were married,” and they’ve been married for 27 years. They moved to Arkansas for about 6 years, but they’ve lived in Enid for approximately 20 years. Together, they have 7 children, Logan (22), Mya (20), Tony (14), Lily (11), Aurora (8), Jacob (7), and Ryker (2). They adopted a group of siblings in May of 2023, and according to Amy, Damon would tell you it was one of his most important accomplishments.
Together, they’ve fostered for over 5 years, and in September 2023, they were named the Foster Parents of the Year in Northwest Oklahoma. They’ve had over 15 children in their home throughout the years, and they also volunteer at Youth and Family Services as well.
Damon has served on the Martin Luther King Board, and he’s involved in the Great Land Run that gives back funds to the school district. When he can, Amy says he’s out there volunteering and helping! During Christmas, he also works with the Salvation Army.
Damon teaches and works at Enid High School, and he’s been there for over 12 years. At Enid High, he takes on many roles. He teaches yearbook, digital arts/journalism, and ACT preparation classes, and he’s a junior class sponsor and National Honor Society sponsor. Damon’s also over the homecoming dance, the Blue Court, and prom, and he’s a great DJ at the Special Education Prom. As a teacher, he’s very talented, and he’s passionate about what he does. His wife states, “He amazes me with his motivation and passion for his students. He takes time with them and builds that relationship to help them be successful in the world.” His former student, Trinity, continues with, “He treated students as young adults – it was never surface level connections or education. I feel like he always tried to connect with his students, and it was evident that he genuinely cared.”
Damon is a selfless man with a giving heart, and he gives that heart to the community. His wife finishes with, “I know I am a better person because of my husband, Damon McKinney,” and that’s what makes him a Local Legend.
