Obituary of Charles L. McKinley

Charles L. “Charlie” M^cKinley, 87, lifelong businessman from Winamac, IN passed away at 7:40 PM Sunday, July 5, 2020 at home with his family by his side.  He was born August 6, 1932 in Winamac to the late Lon and Flo Lebo M^cKinley.  Charlie graduated from Winamac High School in 1951.   He served in the US 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 M^cKinley Memorial Gardens.   On September 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, M^cKinley 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 HJ 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 December 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:

Joyce V. M^cKinley, Winamac, IN Wife

Catherine M. M^cKinley, Naples, FL Daughter

Susanna C. M^cKinley, South Bend, IN Daughter

Kathleen J. (Roy) Crist, Star City, IN Daughter

Daniel L. (Anna) M^cKinley, Winamac, IN Son

Charles Michael (Deb) Needham, Logansport, IN Son

Cathy Needham, Springfield, MO Daughter-in-law

Celie M^cKinley, Granddaughter

John F. (Richel Fox) Crist, Grandson

Jacob M. (Katrina) Crist, Grandson

Laura J. (Andrew) Bates, Granddaughter

Allison M^cKinley Jones, Granddaughter

Andrea (Jeremy) Williams, Granddaughter

Daniel L. M^cKinley II, Grandson

Alicia Hanawalt, Granddaughter

Nathanial (Kristine) Needham, Grandson

Chad (Serena) Bebee, Grandson

Ann Marie Bradberry, Granddaughter

Lisa (Sean) Allen, Granddaughter

Melissa (Brandon) Shatto, Granddaughter

Amber (Trevor) Pool, Granddaughter

Matthew (Ashley) Needham, Grandson

24 Great Grandchildren

4 Great Great Grandchildren

Lois M^cKinley, South Bend, IN Sister

Geneva M^cKinley, Winamac, IN Sister-in-law

Several Nieces and Nephews

Elsie Scheffer, Star City, IN Aunt

Many Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Lon and Flo Lebo M^cKinley, Parents

James Needham, Son

Helen White, Sister

Bill M^cKinley, Brother

Richard M^cKinley, Brother

Visitation will be from 2-8 PM EDT Thursday, July 16, 2020 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, IN.  Kiwanis, Eastern Star, and Masonic Services will be held starting at 8 PM Thursday at the funeral home. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM EDT Friday, July 17, 2020 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, IN with Pastor Jeff Seger and Youth Pastor Brandon Shatto officiating. 

Burial will take place at Winamac Cemetery (M^cKinley Addition) in Winamac, IN.  The American Legion and VFW will conduct Military Graveside Services.

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

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac, IN.