July 26, 1941 – July 18, 2023
Leroy Clark McKinley, 81, Carmel, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. He was born on July 26, 1941, in Indianapolis to Loran and Margret (Millikan) McKinley and raised with his brother Loran “Mac” McKinley and his sister Sarah May. A graduate of Sheridan High School’s class of 1959, he was class president and continued to enjoy annual gatherings with teammates he played basketball with during the Hobbs era.
He was dedicated to God in all areas of his life, which was evident in his love for the Lord and his family. He was married to his loving wife, Sarah Dian (Hillock) McKinley, for 62 years and was a loving father to his children Michael Leroy (Sheri) McKinley, William Loran (Dawn) McKinley, Christina Marie Kelly, and Kathryn Michele McKinley.
Leroy was a current member of Westfield Friends meeting and served as a pastor with Indiana Friends Yearly Meeting at Cadiz Friends, Morgan Creek Friends, Nettle Creek Friends and Jonesboro Friends meetings. He was a founding member of Brandywine Community Church in Greenfield, Ind., and volunteered with World Renewal, and at Heritage Village, Jonesboro Food Pantry, and Carmel United Methodist Food Pantry.
He was a dedicated employee of General Motors for 36 years. He may not have always had a green thumb, but he delighted in all of God’s creation. Leroy never met a stranger, always having time for a conversation, or an encouraging word to everyone he met.
Leroy is survived by his wife and children; his grandchildren, Jennifer McKinley, Jessica (Hayden) Heeb, Kori (Brent) Williamson, D.J. (Michelle) Wood, Jacob (Taylor) McKinley, Erin McKinley, Chelsea (Karolyn) Copenhaver, Noelle (Kodi) Rodriguez, Gordon (Brook) Copenhaver, Ian Copenhaver, and Lauren (Danila) Kelly; and great-grandchildren Jamison, Liam, Evie, Teddy, Christopher, Catherine, and River.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Loran and Margret (Millikan) McKinley; sister, Sara May; and by his brother, Loran “Mac” McKinley.
Leroy was laid to rest during a private graveside service at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. A celebration of life open house was held at the Hunters Glen Condo Clubhouse in Carmel.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Quaker Haven Camp, 111 EMS D16C Lane, Syracuse, IN 46567.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com