Charles L. “Charlie” McKinley

Aug. 6, 1932 — July 5, 2020

Charles L. “Charlie” McKinley, 87, lifelong businessman from Winamac, passed away at 7:40 p.m. Sunday, July 5, at home with his family by his side. 

He was born Aug. 6, 1932, in Winamac, to the late Lon and Flo (Lebo) McKinley. Charlie graduated from Winamac High School in 1951. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After returning home from the service, Charlie went to work as a stone carver for his father at Winamac Granite & Marble Works and also as caretaker of the newly developed McKinley Memorial Gardens. 

On Sept. 20, 1968, Charlie married Joyce Widup Needham at the First Christian Church in Winamac. In January 1969, Charlie and Joyce purchased the monument business from Lon which they would develop into the well-known downtown business, McKinley Monuments. Charlie dedicated his life to serving the community and did so in a kind and caring way. He retired in 2009 — leaving a legacy of hard work and compassion. In 2018, Charlie received the prestigious H.J. Halleck Community Service Award. 

Charlie was a proud member of the Republican party and served many years on the Pulaski County Election Board. He served on the Winamac Town Council for eight years where he also served as board president. He was a member of the Winamac Rotary Club (past president), Winamac Kiwanis Club, Winamac VFW Post #1728 and Winamac American Legion Post #71 (past commander). Charlie was a member of the Royal Center Lodge #585 F&AM and received his Award of Gold on Dec. 8, 2010. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and the Murat Shrine. Charlie was a 50-year member of the Crystal OES #165 and was past patron numerous times. He was an active member of the First Christian Church in Winamac, where he had served as trustee, elder and deacon. 

Charlie enjoyed traveling all over the United States and Europe with his wife. He also enjoyed fishing in Canada. Charlie loved his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife Joyce V. McKinley of Winamac; daughters: Catherine M. McKinley of Naples, Florida, Susanna C. McKinley of South Bend, and Kathleen J. [Roy] Crist of Star City; sons: Daniel L. [Anna] McKinley of Winamac, and Charles Michael [Deb] Needham of Logansport; daughter-in-law Cathy Needham of Springfield, Missouri; granddaughters: Celie McKinley, Laura J. [Andrew] Bates, Allison McKinley Jones, Andrea [Jeremy] Williams, Alicia Hanawalt, Ann Marie Bradberry, Lisa [Sean] Allen, Melissa [Brandon] Shatto and Amber [Trevor] Pool; grandsons: John F. [Richel Fox] Crist, Jacob M. [Katrina] Crist, Daniel L. McKinley II, Nathanial [Kristine] Needham, Chad [Serena] Bebee, and Matthew [Ashley] Needham; 24 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister Lois McKinley of South Bend; sister-in-law Geneva McKinley of Winamac; several nieces and nephews; aunt Elsie Scheffer of Star City; and many cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Lon and Flo (Lebo) McKinley; son James Needham; sister Helen White; and brothers: Bill McKinley and Richard McKinley. 

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Kiwanis, Eastern Star and Masonic services will be held starting at 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 17, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, with pastor Jeff Seger and youth pastor Brandon Shatto officiating. Burial will take place at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church in Winamac, or Kindred Hospice in Rochester.

Online tributes may be made at www.frainmortuary.com.

(Pulaski County Journal — July 15, 2020)

Pulaski County Journal

114 W. Main Street
Winamac, IN 46996

(574) 946-6628
 

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