Richard L. McKinley, 72, of Medway, OH, passed away peacefully Friday, February 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Gale and Virginia (Laws) McKinley.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years and high school sweetheart, Mary (FHS-72); his son, Andy (Mandi) McKinley, and their daughters, Allie, Emily, and Annie; his daughter, Betsy (Jose) Iraolagoitia, and their children, Christine Moore and Mateo Iraolagoitia; and his sister, Gail (FHS) McKinley. He was cherished beyond measure in his favorite role of all — “Grandpa.”
Richard graduated from Vanderbilt University and later from the Air Force Institute of Technology, launching a distinguished career as a biomedical engineer. He dedicated 40 years of service to the Air Force Research Laboratory, where his work advanced science and supported those who serve our country. Even after retirement, he continued contributing through his work with Booz Allen Hamilton, remaining committed to the mission and the people he cared about.
Music was woven deeply into Richard’s life. He met Mary as a young man singing in the church choir, beginning a lifelong harmony together. He continued sharing his rich voice for many years with the choir at Westminster Presbyterian Church, where his faith and friendships flourished.
Richard never met a stranger. Friendly, social, and quick with a smile, he loved gathering with others and was known for his playful spirit and perfectly timed, delightfully punny jokes. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: tending his garden, savoring a bowl of ice cream, flying small airplanes, building and piloting model planes, and watching aircraft overhead. He shared a special bond with his son through their love of fast cars and proudly showcased his classic 1963 Jaguar XKE at car shows, where it earned numerous awards.
He will be remembered for his steady kindness, quick wit, gentle intelligence, and deep devotion to his family. His legacy lives on in the songs he sang, the laughter he sparked, the stories he told, and the love he gave so freely.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness or donations in Richard’s memory to the following:
Tecumseh Band Boosters Inc.
11316 Stafford Road
New Carlisle, OH 45344
VISITATION: Monday, February 16, 2026, 4:00 pm-7:00 pm
Trostel, Chapman, Dunbar, & Fraley Funeral Home
507 Jefferson Street
New Carlisle, OH 45344
937.845.9477
SERVICE: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 12:00 noon
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Celebration of Life
125 N. Wilkinson Street
Dayton, OH 45402
937.223.7285
INTERMENT: Medway Cemetery
11141 Lower Valley Pike
Medway, OH 45341
Condolences: trostelchapman.com
Denise Kline (Derge)
Richard was a big help to me when I had computer questions. He was a good friend.
Nancy MacFarland (Barker)
I played a practical joke on Richard in the seventh grade when he had a mad crush on my friend Kathy M. It was harmless but I know it probably embarassed him. For over 60 years now I have been ashamed of myself. Richard was a nice boy and a good man. I am happy to see he had sucess and a loving family in his life. I'm sorry Richard - R.I.P my friend
Diana Gartin (Greenwell)
Richard was a good person. He was in Choraliers with me & we shared many good talks. I'm so sorry for your loss, Mary. Your high school romance & marriage was like a fairy tale come true to me.