HENRY LEWIS MCKINLEY 1928-2021

A celebration of life honoring Henry will be held on Wednesday July 7th. Visitation will begin at 9 AM followed by a service at 10 AM at Klein Funeral Home – Champions: 16131 Champion Forest Dr: Klein, Texas 77379. There will be a private burial service later in the day at the Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children by one of the following methods: www.lovetotherescue.org , 1-844-739-0849 or mail to: Shriners Hospital for Children Attn: Processing Center P.O. Box 863765 Orlando Fl 32886.

Henry was born in 1928 in Morgan County, Alabama to James Shelton McKinley and Jessie Irma Thomason McKinley and died June 27, 2021 in Houston, Tx. He was the 4th of 6 siblings. Henry was raised throughout Alabama because the family moved frequently due to his father's long career with the L &N Railroad. Henry attended 12 different schools over an eight-year period until Henry was in high school and his family settled permanently in Birmingham, Alabama.

Henry joined and served in the Alabama Air National Guard alongside his brother James. They were called to active duty in the Air Corps (United States Air Force) and served from 1950-1953 during the Korean conflict.

Henry met his future wife Sara through a mutual friend in Birmingham. There were married in 1953 and began their family in Birmingham before moving to Houston in 1957.

They had 2 daughters (Gwen & Phylis) and one son (Dennis).

Henry began his printing career as a pressman apprentice at age 16 and he continued in this profession for more than 50 years. He worked for Carroll Printing Co. in Houston before starting his own business, Henco Printing in 1969, which he owned for 30+ years.

Henry's love of flying started with his first flying lesson in 1949. He continued his flying sporadically while raising his family, finally getting his private pilot's license in 1975. His final flight was in 2019, when a good friend's son generously took him up with 2 of his grandsons. It was an experience he treasured until the very end.

Henry became a 32nd degree Mason at the Oak Forest Masonic Lodge #1398 in 1963, where he was an active member until it closed in the late 90's. Henry then attended the Tomball Masonic Lodge #1096 where he celebrated his 50th anniversary as a Mason in 2013.

He joined the Arabia Shrine Temple and the Clown Jewels unit in 1975. His clown name was "Sleepie". He was President of the clown unit in 1986 and was presented "Clown of the Year" award on two separate occasions. He loved participating in parades, making balloon toys for children and attended opening night of the Shrine Circus for 30 consecutive years.

One of Henry's greatest loves was being an accomplished woodworker. He created many pieces, including pens, several podiums for his church, crosses and numerous gavels for various people including the Shriners. He also generously repaired various wooden items for others including several projects at St Stephen's United Methodist Church, where he was an usher and a member for over 60 years.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the compassionate staff of Brighton Senior Living of Cypress for their caregiving during the past several months. Thanks to Latasha Washington for sitting with Henry during a difficult time earlier this year and special thanks to Lamarkcus Thompson Jr (LJ) for his caregiving and companionship. We also sincerely appreciate Sandra Kegerreis for her caregiving and friendship over the last 4 years.

Henry is survived by:

Wife of 67 years: Sara Fulmer McKinley

Children:

Gwen &(Bill) Sullivan

Phylis & (Paul) Haralson

Dennis McKinley (fiancée Dana Columbo)

Four grandsons:

Keith McKinley

Kyle McKinley

Will Haralson

James & (Melody) Haralson

Sister: Elizabeth & (Tom) Kenney

Cousins: Barbara Threadgill and Sharon French

Numerous brothers'-in-law and sisters'-in-laws

He was blessed with 47 nieces and nephews, 43 of whom survive him

Pallbearers are Paul Haralson, Dennis McKinley, Keith McKinley, Kyle McKinley, Will Haralson, James Haralson and Bill Sullivan (honorary).

Henry was a hardworking, easy going, personable, loving, kind Christian who never met a stranger and always had an anecdotal story to tell. He will be greatly missed.

Rest in heavenly slumber Sleepie!

Live Stream links for both Services:

Wednesday, July 7, 10:00 am, Klein Funeral Home-Champions: https://youtu.be/YxrHMIf4VC4

Wednesday, July 7, 2:15 pm, Veterans Memorial Service at

Houston National Cemetery: https://youtu.be/RCRUFrkla-A