Thomas Orin McKinley

Thomas Orin McKinley, age 81, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023. He was the son of the late Delta E. and Mildred (Woodring) McKinley. Thomas was a proud graduate of Harlan High School. After high school he served in the United States Army where he attained the rank of E-5. He retired from Navistar after 35 years of service as a truck builder. He enjoyed camping, flying, hiking, and bird watching. Thomas became a flight instructor after retiring from Navistar. And continued to instruct for another 12 years, until fully retiring and enjoying rv'ing and camping. He is survived by daughter Stacey (John) Gatton, Son Douglas (Marcy) McKinley, stepson Tom Languell, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, brother David (Nancy) McKinley, sisters-in-laws Judy McKinley, and Janet Francies, and brother-in-law Don Prosser. Thomas was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, three brothers Raymond and Richard Francies, and Arlen McKinley Services will be Monday October 2, 2023 at 12:00 P.M. with visitation 11:00 to 12:00 at Hockemeyer Funeral Home 17629 State Road 37 Harlan, IND. Visitation also Sunday October 1, 2023 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HockemeyerFuneralHome.com for the McKinley family.