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.

He remains very active in the Army Reserves and was recently promoted to Sergeant First Class.

Charlie and his wife are active in the youth programs at Ashland Center Church of Christ.