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Stephen McKinley Obituary
He was born in West Hamlin, W.Va., on July 11, 1951, to Esther M. (Ross) McKinley and Ralph L. (Jerry) McKinley.
Steve was a graduate of Federal Hocking High School ('69) and Ohio University (BFA '73).
Throughout his life, his passion was the creation of his art. In high school, Steve excelled in both sports and student leadership. After graduating from college, he combined these talents and interests and returned to his childhood alma mater to guide, coach, and teach at all grade levels for 30 years. He was an awe-inspiring, deeply loved and respected instructor and a mentor to many. Steve was proud of his work there and of his students.
There was no art or construction medium that Steve could not master. He was also a self-employed contractor for his entire adult life. In Athens, there are many lasting memories of his work, ranging from sketches and paintings to the design and building of homes and cars with his own hands. Every single design included his magical, whimsical, unique, and beautiful touches. Steve was a gifted artist, a history buff, and a man with great sensitivity and love for his pets and his family. He will be remembered for his many talents, his creative mind, his generous and loving heart, and his striking silver hair and twinkling blue eyes.
In addition to the numerous lives he touched, he gave freely of his time and talents over the years to many local projects and organizations, including area schools, the Amesville Coonskin Library, the Ohio Historical Society, the Dairy Barn Arts Center, the Athens Country Club, and the O'Bleness Memorial Hospital Charity Golf Tournament, among many others.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Randy McKinley; and his nephew, Ryan McKinley.
He will be missed by many, but none more so than his wife of 40 years, Kim (Algeo) McKinley; their son and daughter-in-law, Dana and Erika McKinley; and grandsons Jack and Max McKinley. Steve is also survived by his daughter, Amanda Lakes; his brother, Tim (Shannon) McKinley; his mother-in-law, Judy Nowack; and his sister- and brother-in-law, Christy and Steve Swisher.
There will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to your favorite charity that supports children or animals. Stephen McKinley
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen McKinley
Sequoia Lemon
February 19, 2026
RIP Mr. McKinley
Maury Mittleman
February 18, 2026
Rest in peace dear friend.
Maury & Jan Mittleman
Sally Howell
February 17, 2026
In loving memory of a wonderful person.
David, Sandy and Sally Howell
Terry and Debbie Hogan
February 17, 2026
We will miss Steve so much. He was one of a kind - with a magical combination of personality, creativity, work ethic, skill and intelligence rarely found in such abundance in one person. Kim and Dana, we love you and are holding you close in our hearts at this trying time.
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Stacey B
February 15, 2026
Class of 2003
By far one of my favorite teachers! The fun we had in his class is something I will never forget!
Shelby Dutton FH Class of 1990
February 15, 2026
Rest in Peace Mr. McKinley. He was one of my favorite teachers in high school.
Such a fun educator & talented artist.
Him & Mr Burns were two of the best.
Even after all these years, I can still recall his smile & laughter. Prayers for his wife, children, family and friends.
Bob Avery
February 15, 2026
Steve designed and built The Coonskin Library Museum in the remodeled one room schoolhouse on the grounds of Amesville school. He involved students and community members in this project. This is only one of many projects that Steve was responsible for in Athens county.
Martie Rector
February 15, 2026
Steve was one of the most creative people I have ever known
He will be missed by every one who knew him. My love and thoughts go out to Kim, Dana and family
Martie and Rex
Annie (as he referred to me)
February 15, 2026
Mr. McKinley´s Art class held some of the best memories of high school for me! He was the kindest, funniest teacher I ever knew and a good friend of my Dad´s, Rex. He will always be remembered and truly missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Marilyn Wentworth
February 15, 2026
Steve always had the best laugh! When our group of friends were together, he´d tell stories that cracked us all up. We´re missing him so much.
Joseph hill
February 15, 2026
So sorry for your loss I pray for your family
Paul Pugh
February 14, 2026
Rest in peace friend. As a classmate I remember your drawings, your athletic abilities. We have all moved on in life but your memories will forever live on amongst us. Sorry for your family and close friends. Pray for all .
Beth Miller
February 14, 2026
He made school worth going . Made class fun and educational. Fed hock was never the same when he left. RIP MR.McKinley
Travis Walters
February 14, 2026
A true teacher to me and mentor, I will miss him.
Cindy Barker
February 14, 2026
To Kim and the family: I´m so very sorry. May your wonderful memories be a blessing, and may they bring you comfort.
Warm regards,
Cindy Penson Barker
Elizabeth Jane
February 14, 2026
One of my favorites! Steve was a friend of my Dad Rex,he had stories to tell! Was a great art teacher to me. Will be missed by many...
Tamra (Cunningham) Kirby
February 14, 2026
He was the best art teacher ever! I had the pleasure of being one of his students throughout my highschool career and was able to work with him randomly even after graduation. He always wanted to see his students thrive no matter the challenges they seemed to face. Steve always seemed to have a way around any art project to help a student understand the concept of how to get to the final product even if it wasn't a traditional way! I can remember him working on a life size motorcycle he was making from wood and paper machet. When he needed a helping hand, I can remember him finding what class I was in and getting me out of it to come help him and keep him company while working on it. Steve is one of the teachers that left a lasting impression on me personally to always give my best and if I couldn't figure it out, stand back, with my hands on my chin, twisting and turning my head to look at things a different way, there was always another way to get to the final product! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers and know you have a whole prayer army behind you! He will be missed and never forgotten by some many!
Charlie McNally
February 14, 2026
So sorry to hear ,good man will be missed by many
Amanda and Kevin Mace
February 14, 2026
So very sad! I still have my little house built in a bottle from his art class in High School! Rest in peace Mr. McKinley! Hugs and Prayers to all!
Stephanie Jarvis
February 14, 2026
Mr. McKinley, you will be missed thank you for always making me laugh
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