February 20, 1954 – February 27, 2025
Eugene Emery McKinley, known as “Gene” or “Skeets” to some, passed away on February 27, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He is preceded in death by his mother, Carlene Davidson; stepfather, Walter Davidson; half-sister, Aleta; and two step-brothers. He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Maryellen McKinley, and children: Melissa Hardy and family, Raymond Olsen (and his wife, Sharon), Eric McKinley, and Julia Olsen (and her daughter, Lilah Haith, and boyfriend, Jonathan Haith).
Born in Compton, California, Eugene was a proud Southern Californian with an abiding love for his country. He dedicated his life to service, a principle he first developed as an Eagle Scout, and he sustained this during his 20-year career in the United States Air Force. Upon retirement, Eugene continued his commitment to national defense by working at NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command). Additionally, he was a dedicated tax preparer throughout his life, taking great pride in helping others navigate their tax returns and look for refunds as another way to serve his community.
Throughout his life, Eugene embraced recreation in many forms—whether skiing in the mountains of Colorado, watching John Wayne movies, or following professional sports, especially the Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos. He also found great joy in his Catholic faith, regularly finding peace in his spiritual practices. However, his greatest joy came from Disney, including his visits to the theme parks with his wife, Maryellen, and their family. Eugene cherished sharing the magic of imagination that he held so dearly.
His legacy of dedication, kindness, service, and the willingness to embrace his playful side will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Steve Young
11 Mar 2025The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Mr. McKinley’s service to our country in the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Kim
13 Mar 2025To the McKinley family,
Prayers and thoughts are with you. My deepest sympathy.
Eugene was a dear friend, tax mentor, and all around great American! He will be missed.
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Karen Larkin Keyser
14 Mar 2025I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of my cousin Skeets.
He was the only son of my great Uncle Maynard Edwin McKinley. My uncle Mac was my grandma Edna’s older brother. Skeets and I were both born in Compton only Four months apart. We lived across the street from each other for a few years then we would hang out at the bowling alley with our dads. He enlisted in the Air Force right out of high school and we lost touch. Years later we reconnected and even met up with Skeets and Maryellen at their place they stay at when they would have their Disneyland visits. They loved everything Disney. My condolences to all his family. I loved Skeets and he will be missed and remembered fondly.
Rita Larkin and family.
14 Mar 2025Sincere condolences to the family of my cousin Skeets McKinley. I remember him as a little boy playing in the sandbox with my daughter Karen in my backyard in Compton, Ca. My Uncle Mac, and Aunt Carlene lived just across the street and we had many get-togethers and fun times with the family. So many years ago, but such good memories. Sorry for your loss to his wife Maryellen and his children. Thank you for your service in the Air Force, and may God Bless You Dear Cousin!