Edward James McKenna, 81, passed away on August 19, 2025.

Edward James McKenna passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 19, 2025, at his home in Branson, Missouri. Born on February 7th, 1944, to Joseph and Gertrude McKenna in Scammon, Kansas, Ed spent his younger years working for the family farm and helped to support his family. From a young age, he was a hard worker and found purpose in providing for others. After moving to Kansas City in his early adulthood, he worked as a bricklayer. His work ethic and talent in the skill won him first place in the Kansas State Bricklaying contest in 1963 and many good years as the head of a masonry company. 

On September 21, 1964, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Jean (nee. Lightner). They had one son, E.J. McKenna, born in December of 1965. In 1988, Ed and Jean moved to Branson to open a retail store at the beginning of the Strip, the Calico Cow. Over the next twenty years, they operated several retail stores in Branson that included the Calico Cow and the Udder Store. Their son joined them in business, cementing the value of family working together for the rest of Ed’s life. 

In 2005, they moved onto their next adventure. That fall, they opened the McKenna Pumpkin Patch for the first season. Throughout the next two decades, Ed’s ideas and hard work brought smiles to thousands of children and families in the Branson area throughout the fall, year after year. Ed is preceded in death by his mother and father, and siblings: Patrick, Kathryn, Joseph, and Lillian.

Ed is survived by widow, Jean; son, E.J. and wife, Vicki; grandchildren: Maddie, James, and Alecz; and numerous loved sisters: Veronica Boyce, Philomena Fromong, and Mary Wilson. 

Services will be held at a later date and will be private for family. If you wish to send flowers or condolences, please instead consider donating to St. Jude’s Hospital. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit http://www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.