Martin Ellsworth McKinley

Marty, as his many friends knew him, was originally from Brooklyn, New York. He was born to Teresa McKinley and the senior Martin E. McKinley. His parents divorced when he was very young, and while his mother was working, Marty attended boarding schools and summer camps. During his high school years, he lived with his Aunt Jo and Uncle Ben while attending high school in Liberty, New York. He played many sports, including baseball, basketball, and football, and made life-long friendships. Marty met his late wife, Nancy, in high school.

He attended Norwich University (Norwich, Vermont) in the early 1950s. After obtaining an undergraduate degree from Norwich University, Marty attended graduate classes at Columbia University (New York, New York), focusing on Russian history. He later married Nancy in June of 1956 and then joined the United States Army Armor Corps, where he proudly served for 30 years. He served in the 11th Cavalry Armor Regiment in the 1960s and commanded a tank battalion in the 2nd Armored Division ("Hell on Wheels") in Ft. Hood, Texas, in the mid-1970s. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Marty served in various positions at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and retired as a Colonel in 1986. His proudest days in the military occurred when he spent time with "his troops".

Marty was deployed to Korea twice, first in the late 1950s and later in the early 1980s. He was also deployed to [South] Vietnam twice and served with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment during the conflict/war there in the late 1960s (as a Platoon Leader), and again in the early 1970s. He spent over four years in service away from his family, which saddened him to recall, but overall, he enjoyed his career and loved the Army communities and close friendships. Marty and Nancy were stationed in Germany, Fort Knox, Kentucky, Ft Hood, Texas, and Fairfax, Virginia, and moved during retirement to San Antonio, Texas. Together they raised two daughters. Marty and Nancy were married for 49 years before Nancy passed in May 2005.

After Marty retired, he attended George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where he earned a master's degree in history. Marty was an avid "history buff" and was particularly interested in studying battles and reading letters of the United States Civil War soldiers. Marty also enjoyed playing golf when his back allowed, and he had many golfing buddies in northern Virginia and San Antonio and several friends that were fellow San Antonio Spurs basketball team fans. Marty enjoyed gardening, playing sports, and watching and attending games. He also enjoyed traveling and cruising. Marty was an animal lover and a people lover with a big heart; compassionate but fun-loving, Marty liked to jokingly tease people yet seemed to get away with it after rewarding his victims with a winning, dimpled smile. He was always volunteering to help young and old people and was particularly supportive of the "underdog", often defending against unfairness or mistreatment.

Marty lived happily in the Army Residence Community in San Antonio, Texas (affectionately known as the A.R.C) for the past 21 years. He made many close friends here and volunteered for as many years in the A.R.C. Golden K Kiwanis Club in various roles, including President and Secretary. Marty was active in fundraising for the Kiwanis scholarship fund, which helps the A.R.C. staff, healthcare aids, and their children/dependents pay for vocational and college classes. Marty was glad to contribute his time to mentor and assist others with their education and career goals. Marty met his second wife, Barbara, at the Army Residence Community. They married in April 2017 and were together for over five years before he passed. Barbara, a former Army nurse and a retired Army Colonel also, is credited with helping Marty live longer than he would have otherwise. She made his last years comfortable and happy, filled with more gardening, games, travel, fun activities, companionship, friendship, and love. Marty had a wonderful, long, and happy life. He was lucky and blessed and often said, "I can't complain"!

Marty is survived by his wife, Barbara, two daughters, two grandchildren, and several cousins.

Monday, November 7

Viewing and Visitation 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colonial Funeral Home

626 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, TX 78148

Tuesday, November 8

Mass and Funeral Service 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Army Residence Community, Chapel

7400 Crestway Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78239

Celebration of Life Reception 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Army Residence Community, Lakeside Campus Auditorium

10000 Rhineland Dive, San Antonio, TX 78239

Thursday, November 10th

Committal with Military Honors 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209

Memorial donations in honor of Martin E. McKinley are welcome to:

Army Residence Community Golden K Kiwanis Club Scholarship Fund

7400 Crestway Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78239

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