William E. McKinney, 78, of 512 South Meldrum street, died at the Larimer county hospital this morning after a brief illness.  He and his wife, the former Miss Ella Litch, celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary only last Sunday.

Mr. McKinney belonged to the First Presbyterian church and was a charter member and vice-president of Townsend club here.  A painter and decorator, he was secretary of the Painters union.

Mr. McKinney was born July 5, 1873, at Wheeling, W. Va.  He and Miss Litch were married at Brush, Colo., June 8, 1898.  Their only daughter, Mrs. Clyde Gannon, died in 1934.

Besides his wife, he is survived by three grandchildren, Wayne Gannon of Los Angeles, Ronald Gannon of Alaska and Herbert E. Gannon of Fort Collins.  A sister, Mrs. Ella Phillips died in 1943.

Funeral arrangements are being made by the Blythe-Holllowell mortuary.