Obituary of Marty Ray McKinley

Marty Ray McKinley, 48, resident of Newport, Kentucky tragically passed away on Tuesday May 7, 2024 at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Marty was the second child born to Richard McKinley and Deborah West on September 2, 1975 in Covington, Kentucky. As a young boy he camped with his family at General Burnside State Park and participated in track and cross country for his school, Simon Kenton. He was a high school graduate of the class of 1993 and later pursued his education in criminal justice. Marty was a proud policeman for the Newport police department where he served his community for 15 years.

The father of 4 children enjoyed simple things: attending Piner Baptist Church with his family and most recently Lakeside Christian Church, riding four wheelers, mowing their lawn with his child on his lap, and most of all protecting and serving alongside his colleagues. Marty particularly loved Christmas time when he was able to engage with children of his community in a program called “Shop With A Cop”. He was a man with a big heart. Even after his passing, Marty has enhanced and saved the lives of up to 75 people by registering as an organ and tissue donor. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by many.

He will forever be missed by his children Jacob (Hannah) McKinley, Dana McKinley, Joshua McKinley, Michelle McKinley, and step-daughter Audrey Bertke. He also leaves behind his parents, Richard (Linda) McKinley and Deborah McKinely; Brother, Mike (Paula) McKinley; sister, Mollee (Donovan) Bowling; mother of his children, Denise McKinley; step-mother of his children, Alecia Reynolds; grandbabies Brady and Lainey McKinley; nephews and nieces, Alex, Megan, Andrew, and Brynnell McKinley, as well as numerous other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter Ray (Jeanine) McKinley and Ray West.

A visitation will be held for Marty between 5:00 and 8:00pm on Monday, May 13 at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home at 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, Kentucky 41051. Following will be a service in his remembrance on Tuesday, May 14 at the Student Union ballroom at NKU, at 20 Kenton Drive, Newport (Highland Heights), KY 41076. Doors will open at 10:00am and the service will begin promptly at 10:30am. He will be led in procession to his final resting place at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Williamstown, Kentucky on Tuesday. Newport Police Department will be welcoming friends and family to a dinner and time of fellowship immediately following the commital service at 828 Monmouth Street, Newport, KY 41076.

Marty’s family would like to offer Newport police department’s “Shop With A Cop” as a memorial fund in his name. Donations may be sent to FOP Lodge #2 998 Monmouth Street, Newport, KY 41071. In lieu of flowers, friends may donate to assist the family with funeral expenses by clicking here. To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please visit his tribute wall.