Obituaries

August 6, 1932 to July 5, 2020

WINAMAC - 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. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1951. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On Sept. 20, 1968, he married Joyce V. Widup Needham at the First Christian Church in Winamac. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Catherine M. McKinley, Naples, FL, Daughter
Susanna C. McKinley, South Bend, Daughter
Kathleen J. (Roy) Crist, Star City, Daughter
Daniel L. (Anna) McKinley, Winamac, Son
Charles Michael (Deb) Needham, Logansport, Son
Cathy Needham, Springfield, MO, Daughter-in-law
Grandchildren: Celie McKinley, John F. (Richel Fox) Crist, Jacob M. (Katrina) Crist, Laura J. (Andrew) Bates, Allison McKinley Jones, Andrea (Jeremy) Williams, Daniel L. McKinley II, Alicia Hanawalt, Nathanial (Kristine) Needham, Chad (Serena) Bebee, Ann Marie Bradberry, Lisa (Sean) Allen, Melissa (Brandon) Shatto, Amber (Trevor) Pool, and Matthew (Ashley) Needham.
24 Great-Grandchildren
4 Great-Great-Grandchildren
Lois McKinley, South Bend, Sister
Geneva McKinley, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews
Elsie Scheffer, Star City, Aunt
Many Cousins

Preceded in death by:
James Needham, Son
Helen White, Sister
Bill McKinley, Brother
Richard McKinley, Brother

After returning home from the service, Mr. McKinley 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. In January 1969, he and his wife purchased the monument business from his father which they would develop into the well-known downtown business, McKinley Monuments.

Mr. McKinley 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, he received the prestigious H.J. Halleck Community Service Award. He 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). He 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. He 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. He enjoyed traveling all over the U.S. and Europe with his wife. He also enjoyed fishing in Canada. He loved his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

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

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

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