The Tradition Continues

When AJ's son, Charles M. McKinley, became licensed as a funeral director in 1993, he became the fifth generation of McKinley to provide funeral and mortuary science services to the Grant and Newaygo communities.

Charlie was stationed in Germany for three years before being released from active duty. The Army recalled him to active duty at Fort Lee, Virginia, as a Mortuary Affairs Instructor supporting Operation Desert Storm. He was once again recalled to active duty and sent to Saudi Arabia to identify and ship home the servicemen killed during the war.

Once back home, Charlie completed his Mortuary Science degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Charlie was once again called to active duty shortly after September 11, 2001 performing duties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and then again in 2003-4 where he supported Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He remains very active in the Army Reserves where he holds the rank of Sergeant Major.

Like his father and uncle, Charlie has served as Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice President, and as President for District 4 of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association.

Copyright McKinley Funeral Homes, Inc.  2010