Richard E. "Dick" McKenna

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Aug. 15, 1919 - Jan. 17, 2011

Richard E. "Dick" McKenna went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 17, 2011. Born in Hempstead, N.Y. on Aug. 15, 1919, Richard was the son of Raymond and Gladys (Mitchell) McKenna. He was a 1937 graduate from Washington High School in Indianapolis and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the General Motors Institute of Technology in Flint, Mich. in 1941.

Richard worked as a project engineer for the Allison Gas Turbine Division of General Motors for more than 56 years, retiring in 1992. During his early employment with Allison, Richard was a field service specialist supporting the U.S. and British Royal Air Forces in the U.S., Canada, British Isles and Africa in World War Two.

A lifelong Christian, Richard had been a member of the West Washington Street Methodist Church, Danville Methodist Church, North United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Northview Church in Carmel and attended the Canaan Church in Coatesville.

During his lifetime, Richard was also an avid sportsman. Playing basketball and tennis in high school, squash racquets in college, and hunting, fishing, bowling and golf later in life, were among his favorite pastimes. Richard shared his love of these sports with his family and friends.

Richard was married to Marjorie J. Norman from 1947-1967 and Edna J. Pinkstaff from 1982-2004, both preceding him in death. Richard was also preceded in death by two brothers, Arthur and Jack McKenna, and is survived by his brother Michael McKenna.

He is survived by his three sons; Kirk (Cindy) McKenna, Ross McKenna and Mark (Lis) McKenna, as well as three grandchildren; Carmen McKenna, Craig McKenna and Kelly McKenna.

Services will be held at Conkle Funeral Home in Avon on Saturday at 1 p.m. with visitation from 11 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be at Danville South Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northview Church (12900 Hazel Dell Parkway, Carmel, IN, 46033) or the Canaan Community Church (3717 N. County Road 800 East, Coatesville, IN, 46121).