Foil: 11 Panel: 4 Column: 4 Line: 96

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. Lawrence E. McKinley

Robert E. McKinley was born December 8th, 1917 in Parkersburg, WV son of a member of the House of Delegates and Educator, Thomas Holly McKinley.

We, his son and daughter are sure he was put on this earth to be another Einstein - he surrounded himself with knowledge and books on everything. He was a bit of a "Perfectionist" - maybe that came from him being a machinist a skilled craftsman - He was the original "McIver". He loved nature, flowers, gardening, grafted apple trees, was an avid amateur radio operator (K8OIZ), and a great lover of the art of photography (capturing life in pictures) and an avid sports fan. In addition to all these avocations and hobbies, he had a passionate love of aircraft and all things that fly.

His enthusiasm came from a love of things mechanical and seeing early aircraft in the 30's, 40's & 50's hangered at Stewart Air Park, Parkersburg, WV. Recently, some of these books have been donated to the Docent Library of the National Air & Space Museum since they represent a piece of history we need not forget.

Robert McKinley exposed his family to aviation & music, all kinds of music from Opera to Rock and Roll. He loved the Big Red Band, spent hours talking about his role in the National Champion Big Red Band of Parkersburg, WV competitions in the 30's. He was a charter member of the Drum and Bugle Corps from the Nemesis Shrine Temple, Parkersburg, WV. He bought books about helicopters and encouraged his son to read and understand them. Music and Aviation are being followed by his children-daughter Nancy is a Registered Nurse, Soloist and Choir Director of a Methodist Church in Sheridan, IN and his son is retired from the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps as a Major and helicopter pilot involved in medical evacuation.

Robert E. McKinley left a legacy. He introduced us all to History and gave us an appreciation for what happened in the 20's, 30's and 40's up close and personal. He would paint such a visual word picture that you felt you were there - his next life he just has to come back as a writer. We honor his love of History, Education and Aviation with this gift.

Thank You Dad,

Nancy Lee McKinley-Kerr
Lawrence E. McKinley