William Robert McKinley II

William Robert McKinley, II, 78, Peru, passed away at 6:12 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, surrounded by the loving comfort of his family. 

Born September 24, 1946, in Peru, Indiana, he was the son of William Robert McKinley and Mary Ann (Prather) McKinley. On December 30, 1972, in Mexico, Indiana, he was married to Linda Caroline Sims, and she survives. 

Bob was childhood member of the Parkview United Methodist Church and a current member of Peru First Presbyterian Church. He was a 1964 graduate of Peru High School where he played tennis. After graduation, he joined the United States Army where he served in Vietnam. He worked at Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo, and later retired as a Union Steward. He enjoyed vacations, casinos, being outside, watching Notre Dame Football with his beloved dog, Charli, sitting on his lap. Bob was well known for his love for conversation where he never held back expressing his opinions. He was also known as the Toothpick Man, rarely seen without a toothpick in his mouth. 

Bob and Linda had two children, Lisa Kay, who sadly passed in 2024; his daughter, Natasha McKinley Ege and her husband, Brian, survive in Peru. Other survivors include his brother Dan McKinley; sister, Sierra Martin; adopted grandson, Carter Jax McManus; sisters-in-law, Pat (Terry) Truex and Charlene Sims, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his daughter, he was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael McKinley; and brothers-in-law, Richard Sims, and Jan Martin. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Peru First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Mark Perry officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Peru. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at the church. Per Bob’s request, he asked that people come casually dressed in comfortable clothing.

Memorial contributions can be made to Relay for Life or First Presbyterian Church. 

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.