Father Thomas A. McKinney died Sunday, March 24 at age 87 at St. Ann’s Home. He was born in Decatur, Illinois on Dec. 1, 1931. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Antoinette McKinney and older brother Joseph, who served for 42 years as auxiliary bishop of the diocese, and his brother-in-law, Richard Pinder. Father McKinney is survived by his sister, Mary Lu Pinder and numerous nieces and nephews.
Father McKinney attended St. Mary Elementary School and Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids. He was ordained to the priesthood by Most Reverend Allen J. Babcock on June 3, 1961 at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.
He served as associate pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Grand Haven; St. Jude Parish; Shrine of St. Francis/OLOG Parish; and Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Wyoming; pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Muskegon; St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Remus; St. Gregory Parish and the mission of St. Joseph in Elbridge.
In August 1967, he was appointed Diocesan Director of the Christian Family Movement (CFM) and in April 1984, he was appointed Dean of Montague Deanery.
Father McKinney’s last assignment as pastor was at St. Charles Parish, Greenville. In 1997, he was injured in an accident that resulted in paralysis. He retired to senior priest status on July 8, 1998. In March 1999, Father McKinney began assisting at Holy Trinity Parish, Comstock Park, celebrating Mass from his wheelchair until September 2018 at which time he was advised to restrict his activities due to health issues.
Funeral arrangements:
Wednesday, March 27, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m – Visitation at Holy Trinity Church (Comstock Park) with a vigil service at 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 28, 11 a.m. – Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Trinity Church with Bishop Walkowiak presiding. Luncheon will follow. Interment will be at 2 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Cemetery
May Father McKinney now rest in eternal peace and enjoy the fullness of the glory of the Lord he served. Please remember him in your prayers.
