Ira Arthur McKinley was born on December 24, 1905 in Silverton, Marion County , Oregon. His parents were Clarence Raymond McKinley, born in Iowa and Fannie Myrtle Hall, born in Oregon. Ira was the third of nine children born to the couple. In 1910 at the age of three, Ira was living with his parents and siblings at Brooks, Marion, Oregon. By 1920 the family has moved to Yamhill County. At 23 years old he was a log faller. In 1933 Ira married Ruby Bertha Ray, and on November 9, 1933 they had the first of two children, Marlene Ruby McKinley. On June 21, 1935 they had their second child, Raymond Bud McKinley. The 1940 census shows the family living in Grand Rhonde,Polk County, Oregon. During WWII Ira was in the service. Records show that on April 21, 1944 he was on the LST 278 (Landing Craft) until May 31, 1944 when he was transferred to the Destroyer McNair. Ira stayed on the McNair at least until December 1, 1945. The Muster sheet shows him on the McNair, Service number 883 66 19, at that time with a rating of Cox (T). The Branch of Service is listed as V-6 USNR, and he is shown as being transferred to Rec. Sta, Treasure Island, Calif. FFT PSC, Bremerton, Wash, for discharge (CofG). It is not known when, but Ira and Ruby divorced. Later, on March 27, 1963 Ira married Louise Amanda Straight . Her first husband, William Thomas Miltonberger had passed away in 1957. Ira and Louise, also known as "Mums" for her love of that flower, enjoyed each others company. They lived in an apartment that Mums and W.T. had in South Eugene for years, eventually moving to a home in Neotsu, just outside of Lincoln City. The house was a one level with a spectacular view of Devils Lake. They enjoyed camping, traveling and fishing. Both Mums and Ira enjoyed traveling to Boulder, Montana to sit in the Uranium mines. After spending time there they both would say that they felt better. Often they would stay at a cabin that Ira had in Cloverdale, Oregon. It was on a dairy farm that was owned by Ira's daughter Marlene and her husband Jim Trent. During the summers I would visit, and they would allow me to help with bringing in the hay for the season. Mainly I was in the way but the hard working family put up with me, nurturing my futile attempts to help bring inn the hay. Mums and Ira also had a place for a time in Westlake where I grew up. No matter where I saw them I was always welcome. As my paternal grandfather had died before I was born, Ira took on the responsibility. He was the only grandfather I ever knew, and always treated me as his own. He had a patient way about him, no doubt gathered from a lifetime of experiences. Ira taught me how to fish, took me out in the woods where he had earned his living, and was always there for me. Although there were family issues that were rather ugly, Ira never spread any of the poison. I am glad to have had the opportunity to have introduced Ira and Mums to my wife before their passing. My only regret is that I did not spend more time with him, and I hope some day I can be as good of a grandfather to my grandchildren as he was to me. On August 26, 1984 Ira passed away. Ira was survived by his first wife Ruby, his second wife Louise, both his children Marlene and bud, and many children and great grandchildren. He was buried at the GreenCrest Memorial Park, located at Sheridan, Oregon.
Ira Arthur McKinley, 78, of Neotsu, formerly of Eugene, died August 26. Services were held . Burial is in Green Crest memorial Park, Sheridan. Adamsons Sheridan Funeral home is in charge of the arrangements.
Sources include 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940 census, obituary from family files w/ no i.d. ,U.S. Navy Muster Roll, Oregon Death Index 1903-98, headstone.