John Clifford McKinley, age 88, passed away from natural causes on Saturday, April 4, 2015.
He was born on June 1, 1926 to Daniel E. and Ellen (Hardy) McKinley in Madrid, Iowa. He was an electronics quality assurance inspector working in the defense industry for Martin Marietta for many years, later transitioning over to a similar position with Hewlett-Packard where he retired in October, 1986.
John graduated from Palmer High School in 1943, joining the U.S. Coast Guard immediately thereafter. He served on the USS Campbell in the Pacific, which was anchored directly next to the USS Missouri during the Japanese surrender of World War II. In the latter half of his life he found a passion for golf, holding club memberships here in Colorado Springs and at their long time Arizona winter home. He was also fond of athletics, hunting and fishing.
His absolute passion was his wife and family; immediate, extended, adopted and almost adopted… All were special to him, and he to them. He is survived by Pat, his loving wife of 68 years; his children: Judy and J.D.; his grandchildren: Erin, David and Morgan; his great-grandchildren: Danger and Siarah; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Daniel and Ellen; and his siblings: Verna, Daniel, Robert, and twin brothers, Harold and Harry.
A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 9 at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard. Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 10 in the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel. A reception will be held immediately after services at the McKinley home. Inurnment will be at Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum at a later date.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name be made to Gentiva Hospice.