Robert E McKinley

He is predeceased in death by his parents, Thomas and Sadie McKinley, his wife, Betty Owen McKinley, and their daughter, Laura McKinley Nichols. He is survived by his son, Robert Ernest McKinley, Jr (Michelle), his granddaughters Meredith McKinley (Shannon), Melanie McKinley Harvey (Spencer), his grandson, Robert Ernest McKinley, III, his great grandsons, Patrick and Sam McKinley, his sister-in-law and lifelong best friend, Francis and Billy Cheshire, son in law, Mark Nichols, cousin Betsy Sweeney (Mike). He is also survived by many adoring nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bobby was nearly a lifelong resident of Corpus Christi, where he graduated from Flour Bluff High School in 1949. He then married his high school sweetheart, Betty Ruth Owen on July 21st, 1950. They were happily married for 72 years. Bobby put himself through Del Mar College and Texas Southmost, where he earned a degree in drafting. He started work at Sun Oil where his outstanding work ethic earned him a spot at the Sun Institute in Philadelphia, PA. He later became a team lead, trainer, and inventor for Koch Industries. He retired from Koch in 1993 as a process engineer.

When his children were younger, he volunteered and coached Little League, Colt League, and teenage baseball. He was also a division 1 football officiant for 20 years and President of the local SFOA Chapter. Bobby loved his country and was very proud of being a member of the United States Army Reserve from 1950 to 1971. He retired as a First Sergeant-the highest rank one can attain in the reserves. Up until the year he passed, Bobby volunteered on the USS Lexington (30 years), serving as a tour guide. He was even asked to restore the model ships on the carrier due to his passion, expertise, and craftsmanship of model tall ships. After retiring he needed a hobby, and building model ships was it, pouring his heart and thousands of hours into it. Many of his ships are on display in two New York Life Insurance offices in Texas, the Mirador retirement community, and on the Lexington. Some would say he was a local celebrity, as he and his work were showcased in magazines, and he was interviewed for the Corpus Christi Times and the local news station because of his craft.

Bobby lived for his family, loved golf, Longhorn football, his friends, his church, his country, and being an integral part of his community. He was someone that so many people looked up to. He will always be remembered as a mentor, selfless, generous, patient, kind, humble, and a devoted Christian.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023 at Kings Crossing Church of Christ, 5901 Yorktown Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78414.

In lieu of flowers , donations can be made to the Kings Crossing Church of Christ Prison Ministry. 5901 Yorktown Blvd. Corpus Christi, Tx 78414

Services are entrusted to Funeraria Del Angel Everhart, 4901 Everhart Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78411.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CageMillsFuneralDirectors.com for the McKinley family.