George Mckinley

George E. McKinley age 81, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2017 at Elmwood Gardens. George was born in Erie the youngest of six on January 26, 1936 to the Reverend Lloyd A. and Ella (Henry) McKinley. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Beverly (Fugate) McKinley on January 16, 2015. He was also predeceased by his brothers, Raymond, Clarence, and Charles and sisters Sarah Knight and Doris Gray. 

George tired at an early age of moving around the southern Pittsburgh area with his circuit pastor father and moved to Millcreek at the age of 14 to work on his Uncle Ralph Hammer’s farm. He attended McDowell High School and Weis Library Church where he met his beloved wife Beverly. They married on October 15, 1955 and raised three children, Jeffrey (Lori) of Fairview, Matthew (Michelle) of Mars, PA and Tracy (Gerald) Ebert of Richmond, VA. 

Along with his children, George leaves behind his grandchildren Issac, Natalie, and Sarah McKinley, Isaac Ellis, Kendall and Grayson Lawrence, and Olivia Ebert and more friends than one can fathom. 

George worked many jobs growing up, but a neighbor got him involved in the plumbing trade. After a few years working at the George Winston Co. he started his own business, McKinley Plumbing and Hot Water Heating. George took pride in his work and honestly and was proud of how many individuals he helped to start in their own businesses. 

In 1989 after serving the Fairview Sewer and Water Authority for several years, George was approached about running for Township Supervisor and was able to win on a write-in campaign. He served faithfully for two terms and then continued to mow grass and plow snow for the township until the summer of 2016. 

George lived his life as testimony to his faith. He made numerous overseas trips to Haiti, India, and Egypt to help build schools or hospitals with Men for Missions and CHOSEN to install medical equipment. He also took a group of his plumbing company many times to Arcadia, NY to help build the Circle C Christian Ranch. He was heavily involved in “The Little White House” in Washington DC. He also never hesitated to help a neighbor or friend with plumbing projects. 

He was also very active in his church, helping with youth groups when his children were involved and always participated in singing groups. From the church choirs, to Barbershop chorus and quartets, to “A Touch of Love”, to in recent years where he had a wonderful time singing with the “Impact Singers” that visited nursing homes in the area where he played his musical saw. 

He looked forward every weekend to his domino group. HIs religion, his family, and his friends were his passion and he was so grateful to be able to say goodbye to many of them in his last few weeks at Elmwood Gardens. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Elmwood Gardens for Their precious care and their understanding of George’s parade of family and friends and impromptu singalongs.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W. 26th Street (at Powell Ave) on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to attend a service at First Assembly of God 8150 Oliver Road, Erie, PA 16509 on Friday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Donald Fisher officiating. Burial to follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery.  

Memorials may be made to the Erie City Mission 1017 French Street, Erie, PA 16512, CHOSEN Mission Project 3638 W. 26th Street, Erie, PA 16506, or Elmwood Gardens 2628 Elmwood Ave, Erie, PA 16508.