1946-2024
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Stephen Lynn McKinley, age 77, who went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 13, 2024.
Born on Wednesday, August 21, 1946, at Washington County Hospital, Steve spent much of his life in Hancock, Maryland, and left an indelible mark on the hearts of those he knew.
Steve was preceded in death by his father, Harry C. McKinley Sr.; mother, Lucy Patricia Billings McKinley; and brother, H.C. (Neil) McKinley, Jr.
He leaves behind a loving family: his devoted wife of over five decades, Gloria McKinley; his sister Patricia McKinley Crouse (husband, Mike); his son, Troy A. McKinley (wife, Patricia), and daughter, Monique D. McKinley-Fisher (husband, Tim); and his cherished grandchildren, Joshua J McKinley, Mercedes R. McKinley, Elisha M. Fisher, and Sophia G. Fisher, along with many nieces, nephews, and many beloved brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Steve’s journey was marked by dedication and service. He attended Hancock schools until the 8th grade, after which he transferred and graduated from Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, Va. His commitment to his country was evident in his service in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969, where he was stationed in France and Germany as a proud member of Company A 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry.
After his honorable discharge, Steve joined the family business, McKinley’s Food Market, until 1975. His career path later led him to a long and rewarding tenure at the Rust-Oleum Corporation, where he worked diligently for 31 years until his retirement in 2009.
As a man of faith and community, Steve was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church and a dedicated member of the American Legion Post 202. His involvement extended to the Hagerstown Ravens Roost, Rust-Oleum Royal Scotts, Tonoloway Rod and Gun Club and the Hancock Fire Company.
Steve’s legacy is that of a dedicated and faithful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was a man who cherished Sunday football games, relishing the moments spent with friends and later, his grandchildren, as he cheered for his beloved Ravens. His love for old Western movies, milkshakes, and his dogs, coupled with his enjoyment of great dinners with family and friends, will be fondly remembered. Steve’s presence in our lives will be profoundly missed. All who knew him look forward to the day they meet again in Heaven. His spirit and memories will forever be cherished in our hearts.
A service to celebrate Steve’s life will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Damascus Christian Church, 717 Big Cove Tannery Road, Big Cove Tannery, PA 17212. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church on Friday. Following services, a fellowship meal will be served at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Damascus Christian Church and/or the Tri-State Honor Guard, 527 N. Washington Street, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.
Steve’s journey on Earth may have ended, but his story continues through the lives he touched and the love he shared. May his soul rest in peace and his memory be a blessing to all.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Grove-Rogowski Funeral Home, 141 West Main St., Hancock, MD. Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.grfuneral home.net.
