Tom O. Mc Kinley

Tom Orin McKinley, 83, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Loved ones were able to spend time with him that day, surrounding him with love. Tom bravely battled dementia with grace and quiet strength.

Tom was born on April 11, 1942, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Lyle and Mae McKinley. Raised in Muskegon, he attended North Muskegon High School. After graduating in 1960, Tom joined the Navy and, after serving for four years, received an honorable discharge as an Electronic Technician Third Class. Tom married Mary in November 1964, and after a brief time in California, they returned to Michigan, eventually settling in Grand Rapids in 1974 to raise their family. Tom retired in October 2006 after working for the government as a Quality Assurance Representative, which was true to his personality, requiring meticulous attention to detail.

Tom and Mary shared 61 beautiful years of marriage. His legacy of love continues through his devoted wife, Mary; his daughter, Christine; his son, Marc and daughter-in-law Kerry; and his cherished granddaughters, Kara and Alex (husband Connor). He was the proud great-grandfather of Naomi. Tom's heart and family extended to Cliff and Sue Chamberlain; their children, whom he loved as his own grandchildren, Samantha (husband Kahlid) and Cody; and great-grandchildren Idriss, Ismael, and Salima. He is also survived by his brother, Jim McKinley, cousins Sue (Susie) Dingler, Harry McKinley, and Jerry Bigge, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Karole McKinley; his special aunt and uncle, Helen and Lou Lepire; and cousins Nancy McKinley, Marion Bigge, and Keith Dingler.

Tom embodied the values of family, faith, and friendship, guiding many in his life. In Grand Rapids, Tom and Mary developed lifelong friendships based on those values. He was a pillar of Second Congregational Church, where he served the congregation and led the youth group, mentoring the next generation in service and spirit. Tom also loved spending time traveling and camping with family, often including extended family and friends, understanding that time spent with others was more important than the destination. In his free time, Tom loved the game of golf. A highlight was achieving a once-in-a-lifetime hole-in-one. Everyone who knew him understood the meaning of accomplishing that dream. He also loved his cribbage club and playing all card games. The time spent with friends while enjoying these activities meant the most to him.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Second Congregational Church, 525 Cheshire Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, 49505. You can meet the family from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM with the service to follow.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be in Tom's honor to Second Congregational Church.