William 'Leo' McKillip

William 'Leo' McKillip

Jan. 26, 1929 -- Dec. 24, 2013

OMAHA, Nebraska -- William "Leo" McKillip, 84, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013, in Omaha.

A successful football coach in high school, college and professional ranks, Leo was named the Omaha World Herald College Coach of the year in 1987. He spent eight years as Dana College's head coach. He also served as Dana's athletic director.

He arrived at Dana in 1985 after service as a coach with the Washington Federals in the USFL. He also coached in the CFL with Edmonton and Winnipeg, and coached at Idaho State, Saint Mary's in California, and Kimball High School as well.

He was inducted into the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame in 1996, the Dana College Hall of Fame in 2009, and the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Leo starred at McCook High School as a player before lettering at Notre Dame under Coach Frank Leahy.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy, one brother and one sister.

He is survived by sons, Blaine McKillip and wife, Tracy and Creighton McKillip, all of Omaha; grandchildren, Dr. Kate McKillip and husband, Brandon McAnally, Megan McKillip, Ryan McKillip, Molly McKillip and Madeline McKillip; great-grandson, Rowan McAnally; and sister, Marian Farrell.

The family will receive friends Friday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with vigil service at 7 p.m. at the West Center Chapel of Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuary in Omaha.

Mass of Christian burial is Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, 11:30 a.m., at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Omaha. Interment is Monday, Dec. 30, 2103, 2 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association or your favorite charity. Condolences may be left at www.heafeyheafey.com

Arrangements are by Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124.