Mr. Harold "Red" McKinley, Jr., age 85 of Newaygo, and formerly of Grant died Friday, January 9, 2009 at Transitional Health Services near Fremont. He was born Harold James McKinley, Jr. in Grand Rapids, the son of Clara Belle (Hancock) and Harold James McKinley, Sr. on June 3, 1923. He married Ardith Arlene Kromer on November 21, 1941 in Fremont, Ohio. He was a Funeral Director/owner of McKinley Funeral Homes, Grant & Newaygo until 1983 and has been a licensed funeral director for over 60 years. Red served in the US Army during World War II serving with the 135th Evacuation Hospital in the European Theatre. Graduated from Wayne State University in 1947 with a degree in Mortuary Science. He was a member of Grant United Church of Christ. He was a Life member VFW #4249 where he was past commander & the American Legion #381; member of the Military order of the Cooties of Newaygo; Newaygo Masonic Lodge F & AM #111; Araba Shriners of Fort Meyers, FL; Past President Dads Post #59 Newaygo VFW; He was also a former Justice of Peace, Newaygo County coroner from 1954 to 1973. Red was an avid golfer, to say the least, and loved to play golf with his wife ,four sons, his grandchildren and he loved to fish and hunt with his dog Peggy. He loved children and wants to remind them to never use drugs and always say no to drugs.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years Ardy, his sons John & Sue McKinley of Fruitport, A. J. & Sandy McKinley of Grant, Bill & Mary McKinley of Stanwood, his daughter-in-law Marge & Robert Bergers of Newaygo, 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 1 great great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his son Jim McKinley and his sister Jean Leach.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM from the Grant United Church of Christ, on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 with Mr. David Joe Hatter officiating. Interment will be in the Parkview Cemetery in Grant. Visitation will be held 2-4 & 7-9 PM Tuesday at the McKinley Grant Chapel. For memorials please consider the Transitional Health Services of Fremont. Please sign the online guest book at www.mckinleyfuneral.com.

McKinley Funeral Home, Grant, 231-834-5613. http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com

 

 

horizontal rule

horizontal rule

Marilyn Beerman
Sunday January 11, 2009
09:56:42

It is a difficult time for the family, and I send my prayers. I will always remember his smile whenever I would see him, be it at the golf course or a restaurant, or anywhere, for that matter.

horizontal rule

Carolynn (Cumings) and Tom Favreau
Sunday January 11, 2009
11:43:55

Ardy, AJ and family, Marge called me yesterday and my prayers go out to your family. I have known you folks all my life and my mother Ruth Cumings was a good friend with Ardy. I had many a laugh with Red when he was golfing at Ramshorn Country Club when I managed the club. I will never forget the jokes and his wonderful sense of humor. I am so glad I got to spend time with Red this past August when I spent a week with Marge and Bob in Newaygo. I wish I could be there but unfortunately Tom and I are recovering from a bad semi truck accident. My heart and prayers are with you and I know Red is now playing golf with Jim and they are having the time of their lives. I will miss them both but will never forget the great times I spent talking with them. God Bless you all. With much love, Carolynn Favreau (Cumings)

horizontal rule

Caroline ( Shears ) Anderson
Sunday January 11, 2009
16:12:12

We would like to express Our condolences for Harold's (Red) passing. Being classmates thru.high school many good times comes to mind.....We both went Our seperate ways after school days but occasiolal meetings kept Our friendship alive. Ardy,We won't be able to come to the Funeral but Our thoughts and Prayers will be there for You. Carl & Caroline Anderson

horizontal rule

Dan & Linda Matiland
Sunday January 11, 2009
16:46:26

Sorry to hear about Red's passing. Enjoyed getting to know him ( and Ardy) when he and Dan shared a room at Newaygo Medical Care Facility last year. My prayers are with the family members. Linda

horizontal rule

Kit Snow
Sunday January 11, 2009
17:41:39

I extend my deepest sympathy and prayers to your family with the passing of Red. May our Lord watch over and keep you during this time.

horizontal rule

Charlie Thomas
Sunday January 11, 2009
18:21:28

Ardy & Family, I am so sorry to hear of Red's passing. I worked with him while he was at the Facility. He was so very kind. You all have my deepest sympathy.

horizontal rule

Ray & Merry Brown
Sunday January 11, 2009
18:29:09

Some of my best memories are of golfing with the McKinleys. Red and Jim went on several of the golf trips down south with (the group). Best wishes be with you. Ray & Merry Brown

horizontal rule

Robin Robins
Sunday January 11, 2009
19:36:38

To the family my deepest condolences. I remember Red when I was only like 5 years old. I always enjoyed going to the funeral home and visiting Red, he would always give me candy and pencils. I seen Red again at Jim's funeral and was so greatful that I got to see him one last time. I am really glad that I stopped and said hi to him. You will be in my prayers.

horizontal rule

Jim and Barb Hendrickson
Monday January 12, 2009
00:51:09

Dear Ardy and family, So sorry to read that Red's earthly journey has ended. Will always remember that naughty twinkle in his eyes. Know that we hold you all in our prayers and we wish you memories that ease your loss and love that heals your sorrow. Jim and Barb Hendrickson

horizontal rule

Marilyn Beaudry
Monday January 12, 2009
08:37:30

Please accept our condolences from the Newaygo County Veterans Affairs Committee. Red was one of the best Veterans advocates in Newaygo County.

horizontal rule

Deanna Doyle
Monday January 12, 2009
11:56:46

I want to give the family of Red McKinley my sincere condolences. I have known many of you for a very long time as well as Red. He and all of you will always be "special" to me. I remember when I worked at the bank in Grant walking to the bakery with Harold Sr. to get donuts. That was a few years ago. Please accept my heartfelt sorrow, Ardy. I know this loss will be very hard on all of you. Sincerely,

horizontal rule

George Jingles
Monday January 12, 2009
13:34:21

Ardy and family, My sincere sympathies on the passing of Red. He will be missed by all of us. It will be my pleasure to return the military honors for his services Wednesday with the VFW 4249 and AmLegion 381. He will be missed.

horizontal rule

Botschka family
Monday January 12, 2009
14:09:39

Dear Ardy and family Just stopping by to let you know we are holding you and your family and espcially Melanie and her family in our prayers. "Red" had the greatest smile and the neatest handwriting. We enjoyed all the little notes he wrote us while in the nursing home. I know you will truly miss him and we know he is in a better place now with no suffering,oxygen etc. May he have eternal peace. John, Helen, Pooja Botschka

horizontal rule

Eric Ruthkoski
Monday January 12, 2009
18:27:34

"Red" McKinley was such a great man. From being in his presence while a part of the Muskegon Community College golf team, he always found a way to pry a bit of laughter out of anyone. Coach John and Jim would tell many stories about their father, and most of them were humorous. I will always remember him by his sense of humor. Rest in peace "Red".

horizontal rule

Eric Ruthkoski
Monday January 12, 2009
18:27:49

"Red" McKinley was such a great man. From being in his presence while a part of the Muskegon Community College golf team, he always found a way to pry a bit of laughter out of anyone. Coach John and Jim would tell many stories about their father, and most of them were humorous. I will always remember him by his sense of humor. Rest in peace "Red".

horizontal rule

Botschkas
Monday January 12, 2009
18:33:07

Dear Ardy Just stopping by to let you know we are holding you and your family and especially Melanie and her family in our prayers.I did this once but don't think it went thru ...so please know .We loved "Red" with his awesome smile and met him several times in the Dr. office and always a friendly hello and all his cut hand written notes from the nursing home...what great handwriting. He is in a better place we know but it has to be hard after 67 years of your life ...to loose your companion. Asking God to give you all the strength to carry on these days ahead. God Bless John, Helen and Pooja Botschka

horizontal rule

Botschkas
Monday January 12, 2009
18:33:46

Dear Ardy Just stopping by to let you know we are holding you and your family and especially Melanie and her family in our prayers.I did this once but don't think it went thru ...so please know .We loved "Red" with his awesome smile and met him several times in the Dr. office and always a friendly hello and all his cut hand written notes from the nursing home...what great handwriting. He is in a better place we know but it has to be hard after 67 years of your life ...to loose your companion. Asking God to give you all the strength to carry on these days ahead. God Bless John, Helen and Pooja Botschka

horizontal rule

Joe & Gloria Santellan
Tuesday January 13, 2009
00:11:38

Dear A.J. and Sandy, we're very sorry for the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the McKinley family during this difficult time.

horizontal rule

Jon Russell
Tuesday January 13, 2009
06:45:56

I was deeply saddened to hear of Red's passing..He was "one of a kind" who in many ways was bigger than life...I will miss his wit and wisdom (both of which he shared freely)..He and the family have and continue to support many civic and youth activities in the area..For that we all say thank you..Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. If Heaven has a golf course, I'm sure Red is playing the daylights out of it..God Bless Red.

horizontal rule

Mary Anne (Bob Marks) Spangenberg
Tuesday January 13, 2009
13:52:34

My heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathies are with you all.

horizontal rule

Alex and Jackie Finkbeiner
Tuesday January 13, 2009
15:28:43

Ardy, John, AJ, Bill, et al: May you find peace in remembrance of Red.

horizontal rule

John Brooks
Tuesday January 13, 2009
15:52:45

You have our sincerest condolences from everyone at the Newaygo Masonic Lodge. Red was a Master Mason 57 years, 3 months, and 13 days. We bid farewell to our Brother, and treasure his memory in our hearts.

horizontal rule

Gladys and Robert Bazzett
Tuesday January 13, 2009
16:16:17

The McKinley Family, Our condolences to all of you in the loss of your loved one, I have known the family all my life and went to school with Red and Ardy's children. I will remember Red's happy smile. May God Bless the family our Prayers are with you. Gladys Bazzett

horizontal rule

Dawn Saunders
Wednesday January 14, 2009
00:24:45

Red and my Dad were childhood friends - Something about a teacher not returning the next year..?? They must have been quite the little angels! Last time I seen Red (and Jim) they were together at my house for my folks' 60th anniv party. I was so glad to see they could make it. Red was one of the County's loved characters and he will be missed by all. Sincere sympathies to the entire Mckinley family.

horizontal rule

Craig Kleinheksel
Wednesday January 14, 2009
08:57:38

A.J. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers Craig Kleinheksel Dykstra Funeral Homes Holland, Mi.

horizontal rule

Ed Fedell
Wednesday January 14, 2009
12:10:59

We extend our sincere sympathy and prayers to the family. Red was a wonderful person and I always enjoyed his company.

horizontal rule

Bill & Mary Ann Ransom
Thursday January 15, 2009
19:25:37

So very sorry to hear about "Red" passing away. Our sympathy to all the family. We are out of Michigan so were unable to be there. I remember all the times in the past when we had so many deaths in our family and everyone in your family was so very helpful and kind. Just remember all the funny things Red did and said to all. Thats the way to remember.

horizontal rule

David Buter
Monday January 19, 2009
18:30:34

We express our condolenscences to the family. I lived across the street from Harold and Ardys growing up. We will be in prayer for the Lord to give you comfort in your time of sorrow and will rejoice with you that one day you will see Harold in Heaven. Dave and Deb Buter

horizontal rule

Cynthia Hagerman McCashin
Wednesday January 28, 2009
23:34:58

Dear Ardy and family. I'm Don and Ann Hagerman's oldest daughter, Cynthia. Mom asked me to sign in and send our family's condolences for your loss. I'm not certain I ever actually met you and Red, but his name has always been sort of a household word in our family, as my dad and grandmother, Luella Branyan, talked about him a lot. As you know, we lost my dad on Dec. 7th. Mom says she's sure that Red and Don got into plenty of mischief together in high school. Whenever Daddy talked about Red it was always with a smile and a chuckle. We suspect they may be reminiscing and enjoying a few laughs together right now. You and your family are in our prayers. Cynthia Hagerman McCashin, Chattanooga, TN Ann Hagerman, Murfreesboro, TN Bonnie Hagerman Booth, Duluth, GA (my sister)

horizontal rule

Al and Grace Deur
Thursday January 29, 2009
11:06:52

Our prayers go out to you and your family, Ardy. Losing a loved one is always a difficult time. Red was a great guy, so friendly and always willing to help others. He was a great advocate of the Veterans and he meant so much to my brother, Hank, and also to us for all his help in time of need. Now they're both gone. You have our sincerest sympathy.

horizontal rule

Bill Eckstrom
Monday February 02, 2009
22:42:43

I was sorry to hear of Red's death. He was a long time friend. I remember him first as a high school football and basketball player when I was in the elementary grades and he was one of my heros. He was certainly a fine person and worked to make Grant a good place to live. I will miss him.

horizontal rule

McKinley Funeral Homes, Inc.
Copyright © 2005 by McKinley Funeral Homes, Inc. All rights reserved.
Revised: 01/21/14 12:10:52 -0500.