Elmwood – Wilbert "Bucky" McKinley, 87, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, July 7, 2012. He was born in Colp, Illinois on October 16, 1924, son of the late Edward and Edmonia (nee: Hamilton) McKinley. Mr. McKinley proudly served in the Army during WWII, seeing action in France during the D-Day invasion. After separating from the army in 1945 he moved to Racine. On November 9, 1946 he was united in holy matrimony to Alma Jean Baird and they enjoyed 65 happy years together.

Upon arriving in Racine Bucky began working at JI Case Company, retiring in 1986 with 40 years of service. After his retirement he then spent 10 years working as a funeral service associate at the Kasuboski funeral home. Bucky was a strong and much loved role model to his children and grandchildren, always leading them with his wisdom and firm but guiding hand. He enjoyed caring for his yard and garden in the most meticulous way, watching football and baseball, and being with his family. He was an active and faithful member of Faith Church of God, and regularly sang with the Second Baptist Male Chorus.

He will be dearly missed by his devoted wife, Alma; their children, Teresa (Richard) Cole, Wilbert "Bucky Jr." (Ruthanne) McKinley, Janita (Bryan) Finley all of Racine, Machelle (William) Curtis of East Brunswick, NJ, and Adrienne (Steven) Boykin of Pleasant Prairie; 10 adored grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren; 5 sisters, Wandella Price, Joyce Shaw, Betty (Bevin) Johnson, Norma Brown all of Racine, and Maxine Morrison of Kansas City, MO; sisters-in-law Iantha McKinley of Cleveland, OH, and Doreitha (Leonard) Armstrong of Bellville, MI; brother-in-law Shaunte Stills of Racine; a host of nieces and nephews; as well as many other dear relatives and friends. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Kenneth McKinley and Edward McKinley Jr.

Homegoing services will be held St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 13, 2012 with Pastor Albert Grant and Pastor Darryl Simmons officiating. Military honors and interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will begin in the church at 10:00 a.m. Memorial donations to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Cancer Center, or Faith Church of God are encouraged.