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To honor and celebrate the life of Walter C. McKinley Sr., and to extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends on the occasion of his passing, July 28, 2014.
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WHEREAS, Walter C. McKinley Sr., son of the late William and Maude Fairfax McKinley, was born June 9, 1924 in Chillicothe, Ohio; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McKinley was a graduate of Chillicothe High School, the New York Technical Institute and the United States Armed Forces Institute; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McKinley led a life filled with service to his country and community. He honorably served in the U. S. Army, in the South Pacific during World War II, and he co-found and served as Post Commander of American Legion Post 770 of the Greater Linden area; and
WHEREAS, after his military service, Mr. McKinley worked for the U. S. Postal Service, Holzer Ford, General Mills, Industrial Nucleonics, Ralston Purina; and
WHEREAS, throughout his life, Mr. McKinley dedicated his time to serving his community and improving the quality of life in his neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McKinley was a member of the Linden Kiwanis Club; Greater Linden Blockwatch Alliance, and Greater Linden Advisory Council; and
WHEREAS, after his retirement, Mr. McKinley worked for 15 years with the Greater Linden Development Corporation as a Crime Prevention Coordinator. He also served for decades as a South Linden Area Commissioner, and served as its Public Safety Chair; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McKinley served as the liaison between the members of the community and the Columbus Police Department. His civic engagement was unwavering and unparalleled. He received numerous awards in recognition of his many achievements and was honored by Columbus' Division of Police, having a plaque placed in the 5th Precinct Police Headquarters for his outstanding service, and
WHEREAS, throughout his work on behalf of his community, Mr. McKinley remained a tireless advocate for Linden residents, and veterans; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McKinley is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elvera; children, Walter, Gary, Gloria, William, John, Charlotte, Frances, Kenneth, Elvera, Veronica, Marcia, and Brian; 52 grandchildren; 85 great-grandchildren; five great great grandchildren, and numerous other family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McKinley's selfless contributions to our city and nation are innumerable, and his presence will be sorely missed by all; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby honor and recognize an outstanding public servant and civic leader, Walter C. McKinley Sr. with the utmost esteem on the occasion of his passing, July 28, 2014.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of the Resolution be presented to Walter C. McKinley Sr.'s family with our sincerest condolences and respect.