In Memoriam - Charles A. McKinley

Charles Arch McKinley went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 8, 2021. He was truly a man of God and loved the Lord with all his heart, soul and strength.

Charles was born to Charles French and Ella Elizabeth McKinley on February 3, 1932 in Wichita Falls, Texas. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, his brothers Patrick McKinley and Arthur McGinty and his sister Carol Johnson.

Charles grew up in Wichita Falls and graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1949. It was just prior to graduating that he gave his heart to the Lord at the age of 17. He was soon singing bass in a quartet and later sang with a group at Sagemont Church in Houston. He also served in the Navy Reserves, studied at Midwestern University in Wichita Falls and ultimately studied surveying at the University of Houston. Charles was in the land surveying business and owned McKinley Company for over 50 years. He loved every moment of his journey in the surveying industry. Of his many interests, one was all things Civil War. He loved to take road trips and stop at every historical marker to read every word. He insisted Jean go along for the education. He was also very active in community service. As a member of the Lion’s Club he would go to various elementary schools and read aloud to the children.

Charles and Jean met in the Singles Ministry at Sagemont Church and married in October of 1988. Charles loved his Lord, his wife, his family and his church. Those things were of utmost importance and he exhibited that in everything he did and in every decision he made. He was generous to a fault and exemplified a truly giving spirit. He started the Promise Keepers men’s group which met early every other Saturday morning. He loved that group and made life-long friendships in that leadership role.

Charles is survived by his loving wife Jean Ann Gunn McKinley, their daughter Kristi Perry Calhoun and her husband Chris; his son Steve McKinley of Cumming, GA and his wife Marsha; his sister Betty Koontz of Roswell, GA; his daughters Susan McKinley of Houston, TX and Kathy Haigler of Dale, TX; his granddaughter Kinley Calhoun and grandsons Jacob McKinley, Christopher Calhoun and Shephard Calhoun as well as many, many friends and relatives.

A Memorial Service will be held at Sagemont Church on Sunday, March 14, 2021 with a gathering starting at 2:00 p.m. and the service to follow at 3:00 p.m. A private burial will be held at a later date for family and close friends. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the McKinley family.