Arnold McKinley

Arnold McKinley of Arlington passed away at age 82 Thursday, March 30, 2006, at his home.

Funeral: 10 a.m. Tuesday at Arlington Funeral Home Chapel. Burial: D-FW National Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Arlington Funeral Home.

McKinley was born Sept. 14, 1923, in St. Augustine, Texas, the son of John B. and Lizzie McKinley. His parents were truck farmers, raising crops such as cotton, corn, tomatoes and peanuts. He married Esther Grace Jenson Oct. 17, 1953, in Fort Worth. They spent the last 52 years together and raised a family in Arlington.

During World War II he served in the United States Army. On July 11, 1944, Pfc. Arnold McKinley of Company A 187 Glider Infantry was certified as a qualified parachutist in the 11th Airborne Division. Decorations and citations included the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Medal with three bronze stars and one bronze arrowhead, Philippine Liberation Medal with two bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal and Distinguished Unit Badge Aug. 24, 1945. He received an honorable discharge Jan. 6, 1946.

He was always willing to help, putting the needs of family and friends ahead of his own needs. Arnold enjoyed deer hunting, gardening and watching football games and stock car racing on TV.

He was a very hard-working person, best evidenced by the attention and care he gave to his yard. Taking care of his yard was his passion. He was known to have the prettiest yard in the neighborhood. He also liked to go on vacations to the Rocky Mountains to enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air, including driving to the summit of Pike's Peak and crossing the Royal Gorge.

In 1950, he started working at Convair in Fort Worth and remained there for 35 years as a maintenance painter, retiring in 1985 from General Dynamics. He was a member of Highland Baptist Church in Arlington.

Survivors: Wife, Esther McKinley; son, Michael McKinley; daughter, Barbara Warner and her husband, Henry Warner; grandchildren, Travis and Kathy Warner; sisters, Orene Simmons of Evadale and Eria Segrest of Houston; and several nieces and nephews.