Ralph McKinney

Ralph McKinney was a man of steadfast kindness, integrity, and quiet strength, living by his principles and inspiring all who knew him. A devoted companion, he cherished countless treasured moments with the family he held so dear. His wisdom and guidance will forever be remembered by the many special friends and loved ones whose lives he touched.

During the years of the Great Depression, Hesper and Mildred (Schott) McKinney found joy in welcoming their newborn son, Ralph, on February 26, 1934, in Marmaduke, Arkansas. Growing up in a small town in northeast Arkansas, Ralph experienced a childhood shaped by the times. Raised on a farm, he learned the value of hard work from an early age. Following his parents' divorce, he moved with his mother and sister, Linda, to Lansing before eventually settling in Kalamazoo where his mother accepted a position with the Upjohn Company. Ralph attended Kalamazoo Central High School where he excelled in Track and Cross Country. He also worked as a custodian while in school and later got a job with Ingersoll Manufacturing as a welder. Ambitious and eager to serve his country he joined the Naval Reserves. Meanwhile, introduced by a friend, he met and later married Shirley Kridler.

While still in high school, Ralph developed an interest in becoming a draftsman after taking a course in high school. He pursued his dream of becoming a draftsman, a vocation that the Navy did not offer. Consequently, the Navy issued him an honorable discharge so he could then join the United States Army, where he could receive the necessary training. Once Shirley graduated from high school, the couple married on June 9, 1956, at North Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo. The newlyweds then moved to Fort Lewis, Washington, where he was stationed. There, the couple formed a lifelong friendship with Cal and Margaret Alexander. While serving in the Army, he was involved in a special field exercise called Apple Jack, where he produced a detailed map of the area that was later displayed at Tacoma City Hall. After completing his tour of duty with the Army, the couple returned to Kalamazoo where they raised four boys: Jim, Stephen, Bill, and Kevin. Ralph found employment at KVP Sutherland Corp, Hapman Inc, and eventually settled at the Kellogg Company in 1963. He started his career as a draftsman and later became the company's first CAD operator. Among his many accomplishments, he played a key role in automating the process that added two scoops of raisins to Raisin Bran cereal, worked on a Frosted Mini-Wheats project, and contributed to the development of the flip-top box design. Ralph took great pride in his career, finding joy in innovation and problem-solving, and his easygoing nature and strong work ethic earned him a management position, where he thrived, contributing to numerous projects and designs.

The family eventually moved to Rockford Street in Portage so the kids could attend Portage Public Schools. He and Shirley were Charter residents of the city of Portage which was established in 1963. They loved their home and watched their community grow over the years. Ralph added a garage and later a pool which became a magnet for their children’s friends during hot summer months as well as the focal point of large family gatherings. He and Shirley loved to host friends and family over the years.

As a devoted father, Ralph always put his boys first. Alongside his friend Norm Wagner, they brought Rocket Football to the City of Portage. He loved coaching his sons in both football and Little League baseball, instilling the values of teamwork, keeping your eyes on the ball, always hitting the cutoff man and most importantly, have fun!

Ralph’s interests in automotive repair and electronics technology led him to utilize the GI Bill to study via correspondence courses, teaching him how to make rudimentary auto and television repairs. He assembled a color TV, an organ, and even a computer. In his basement woodshop, Ralph taught his boys valuable lessons while helping with science fair projects, listening to The Ventures and CCR, and taking them to Saturday morning slot car races. Beyond work and family, he was always busy with creative projects, crafting the boys’ beds with built-in six-drawer dressers and tackling various woodworking endeavors. Later, as a grandfather, he continued his passion by making handcrafted wooden toys for his grandchildren.

A man of many talents, Ralph taught himself how to play the guitar, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle, eventually sharing his passion by teaching over 100 kids and adults to play guitar. As a teacher, mentor, and guide, he was always patient and encouraging. He embraced life wholeheartedly, finding joy in every moment.

Ralph retired from Kelloggs in 1990 and took a part-time job working in the computer lab at KVCC as well as holding several workshops at the Portage Senior Center to support the new technological age. Ralph enjoyed these years of helping others feel more comfortable with computers while also connecting with his community. He and Shirley became Good Sam’s Club members and began traveling the country in their camper. Traveling opened their eyes to the beautiful country while also sparking an interest in genealogy. Ralph made several discoveries in the McKinney family lineage and visited multiple Civil War battle grounds.

Ralph McKinney, age 90, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his four sons: Jim (Andrea), Stephen (Nanette), Bill, and Kevin; seven grandchildren: Charlie, Maggie, Caitlin, Caroline, Luke, Ali and Clayton; and six great-grandchildren: Aiden, Miles, Rylie, Averly, Ezaline, and Aylarin. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley; his sister, Linda Riley; his nephew, Dave Riley; and his daughter-in-law, Susan McKinney.

Cremation has taken place. Life Story Services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 1, 2025. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception where food, drinks, and stories will be shared immediately following the service.

Burial will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Visit Ralph’s page at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories and photos, and to sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Wings of Hope Hospice.