Dennis Wayne McKinley

Denny graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1960 and joined the United States Navy, where he served his country as a medic for sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Intrepid. During Denny's service, the Intrepid was involved in astronaut recovery and the Cuban Missile Crisis Blockade of Cuba.

Denny was a lifelong public servant and enjoyed helping others. He served as a medic in the 179th Tactical Fighter Group, later to become the Tactical Airlift Group of the Ohio Air National Guard, based at Mansfield Lahm Airport. For many years, he enjoyed helping with the Ohio Special Olympics in Columbus, Ohio, through his Guard Unit from Mansfield. Later, Denny served in the 121st Air Refueling Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard based at Rickenbacker Airport in Columbus, Ohio.

Denny was a corrections officer at the Mansfield Reformatory in the 1980s. He began working for the Mansfield Police Department as a corrections officer in 1986, and worked there 22 years until his retirement in 2008.

After leaving the Navy, Denny returned to Mansfield, Ohio where he met and married Beverly, whom would be his wife for nearly 50 years. Denny was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Mansfield, Ohio and Venus Masonic Lodge #152. After his retirement, Denny enjoyed traveling to Lake Erie and the Outer Banks, as well as spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed doing activities with his grandchildren and following the Buckeyes and Cleveland sports teams. Denny was a lifelong member of VFW Post #9943.

Denny is survived by his wife, Beverly Christine McKinley of Powell, Ohio; two sons and daughters-in-law, Shawn and Carrie McKinley of Grove City, Ohio and Michael and Christa McKinley of Lewis Center, Ohio; three grandchildren, Kinsale, Porter, and Keira McKinley; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Gary and Pannee McKinley of Upper Arlington, Ohio, and Rick and Lorie Rollins of Mansfield, Ohio; one step-brother and his wife, Larry and Maud Laughlin; step-mother, Mary McKinley; aunt, Betty Vesper; and nieces and nephews.

Denny was preceded in death by his mother, Mary M. (Harden) Walton; his father, Melvin L McKinley; and his step-father, Tommy O. Rollins.

Calling hours will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street. Services will follow on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 2:00 pm, officiated by Rev. Stephen Patrick.