Obituary of Robert “Bob,” McKinley

McKinley, Robert “Bob,” 80, of Largo passed away August 18, 2021, at Bay Pines VA Healthcare Center. Bob was born in Camden, WV, to Hoke and Wanda Hunt McKinley on July 1, 1941. Bob joined the US Army in Sept. 1959 and retired from service on Jan. 1, 1980. His tours of duty overseas included Okinawa, Germany, and Vietnam. While in Vietnam (65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71), he served with the 15th Medical Battalion (Medevac) First Cavalry Division. After retirement he joined the 15th Med Association as a charter member and remained active, seldom missing a reunion. In 2021 he was in Peru, IN, at the American Huey Museum 369. He was surprised to find the Vietnam helicopter #803 that he was crew chief on had been restored and was now being used for flights. Bob joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars at Post 4256 in Madeira Beach in 1983 and held many offices including two years as Post Commander. He also was a life member of the Military Order of the Cootie, the Honor Degree of the VFW. Bob served as Grand (State) Commander in 2010-2011. He volunteered annually at Cootie Christmas in Eaton Rapids, MI, at the VFW Home for Children, working the holiday parties for the staff and children. After retiring from the US Army Bob was employed at DRS Technologies as a Quality Engineer for 20 years. Bob was predeceased by his parents; brothers William and Richard; daughters Launda and Christine; and son David Holbrook. He is survived by his wife Sandra; daughters Marion (Dave), Brenda (Tim), Lori (Rob), son Jayden; grandchildren Cassy (Mike), Launda, Timmy, Martin, Ashley, Kyle, and five great grandchildren. Bob was a good man and a comrade to anyone he met and would happily visit and share a beer. His service will be at Bay Pines National Cemetery on Friday, October 1, 2021, at 1:30 pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at VFW Post 10094 on Walsingham Road, Largo. Bob loved all of his rescue dogs but especially Benji and Sun Zu. He volunteered 17 years for the rescue transporting, fostering and anything else needed. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shih Tzu & Furbaby Rescue, St. Marys, GA.