Thomas E. McKinney

On Friday, June 21, Thomas E. McKinney, a much-loved husband, father and grandfather, passed away. Tom was born to Cecil McKinney and Dorothy (Stiver) McKinney on December 10, 1932, in Youngstown, Ohio. He grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, graduating from Ursuline High School.

He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard after graduation, completing his training in Cape May and reaching a position of Petty Officer 3rd class. He served from 1951 to 1954 on a cutter ship (ice breaker) named the Halfmoon. The majority of his time in the Coast Guard was spent on the east coast, traveling between New York and Greenland. Tom married Paula Lehnerd in 1956. They were married for 66 years and together raised eight children, making their home on the east side of Youngstown.

After the Coast Guard, Tom worked for 40+ years in the steel industry as a millwright and later as a maintenance foreman. He worked for Youngstown Sheet and Tube, Republic Steel and WCI. Tom retired in 1996. He enjoyed a long retirement, spending a lot of his free time building and flying radio-controlled airplanes with his good friend Joe Sullivan and his friends in the Fun Flyers (AMA club #1404).

Tom’s family will remember his love of music. He loved to sing, play violin and especially loved the musical talents that his grandchildren shared. His grandchildren play a number of musical instruments and their passion for music was always supported by Tom.

Tom’s memories will be celebrated by the friends and family who loved him dearly including his sister, Margaret “Eileen” Vadjina; his daughters, Patricia McKinney of Ashtabula and Mary (Brian) Beck of Boardman; his sons, Daniel McKinney of Youngstown, Francis (Brenda) McKinney of Youngstown, Martin (Mary Sue) McKinney of North Jackson and William (Kelly) McKinney of Niles; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Paula McKinney, who passed on August 26, 2023; his parents, his brother Jack, a daughter, Anne McKinney and a son, Thomas E. McKinney Jr.

A Rite of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Holloway-Williams Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 611 Robbins Ave., Niles, Ohio. 330-652-2422

Calling hours will be from 5 p.m. until the time of service.

The family request that in lieu of flowers material donations be made to Hospice House in Tom’s name.

Visit www.hollowaywilliamsfuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences to the McKinney family.

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