Elbert Mckinny, Jr. "Al"

On Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the home of AL and Lorraine McKinny, AL’s niece, Pam, said to her uncle, “I’m going to read some Bible verses to you.” After reading several verses, ending with John 14 (1-3), they prayed together. As the prayer ended in JESUS’ name, AL smiled at his wife, and niece, then took his final breath as he peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home.

Elbert “AL” McKinny Jr. was born on April 20, 1946, in Portageville, Missouri, to the union of Elbert and Ella Mae (Glaspie) McKinney Sr. He was the 9th of 10 children. Early in his life, AL’s family relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he received his primary education in the Indiana school system. He confessed Christ at an early age and as he aged, spiritual music became his favorite thing to listen to.

AL was a dedicated United States Marine Veteran. He served in Vietnam and received the Purple Heart Medal, among other honors. The Marines mistakenly dropped the “e” from his last name. AL was so proud of his military service that he never corrected the spelling of his last name. AL was also a retiree of General Motors.

AL had many hobbies, including listening to good music, especially spirituals and the blues. He also enjoyed traveling, casinos, playing poker, and watching westerns and CNN. He could and would speak on many subjects, so large gatherings with family and friends were right up his alley. AL was an avid fisherman and sports fanatic. He would “debate” with all who dared say

negative words about the Detroit Tigers, Lions, or any University of Michigan teams.

AL met and fell in love with Lorraine in 1974 and they were united in holy matrimony on April 19, 1986, one day before his 40th birthday. They had two children, Elbert McKinny III and Rochelle Crumpton.

AL leaves to cherish his memories: wife of 37 years, Lorraine McKinny; daughter, Jean McKinny; daughter Rochelle Crumpton, and son Elbert (Kishna) McKinny III, both of Saginaw; brother, Bobby McKinney of Atlanta, Georgia; sisters-in-law, Louise, and Joyce McKinney, both of Fort Wayne; brother-in-law, Ivory (Shirley) Alexander of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sister-in-law, Ollie Johnson, Sun Lakes, Arizona. Also left to cherish Al’s memory are his granddaughter, Madison Bell; very special great-niece, Tamarea Heart; niece, Leslie Harris, nephews; John Henry “JJ” Jackson, Jr., Tamar Heart, and Maurice Harris; cousin, Diane (Rob)Daniels and special friend, Lazero (Larry) Perez. AL leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends living in the State of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, Connecticut, New Mexico, Mississippi, Kentucky, Florida, and California; and other relatives and friends, too numerous to name. AL was close to his dog, Rocky McKinny, and his grand-dog, Bella Bell.

AL was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Ella Mae (Glaspie) McKinney Sr., brothers Ester Lee, Willie Eugene, James AL, and Charles McKinney; sisters, Mary McKinney, Clytee McKinney-Martin, Fairy S. McKinney, and Claudia Mae McKinney-Flynt; brothers-in-Law, John Long, Henry Alexander, Mander (Pete) Johnson, and Richard Moore; sisters-in-law, Shirley Harris, and Henrietta Penny Moore.

The family would like to express special thanks to AL’s entire treatment team at the VA Medical Center, 5 East Covenant, Dialysis nurses, Robbie, Kelly and Dr. Osama.