Paul V. McKinley, 97, of Neshannock Township, passed away peacefully the afternoon of June 27, 2020 at his home. Born November 28, 1922 in New Castle, he was a son of William R. and Helen S. (Vance) McKinley. He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Margaret L. (McCracken) McKinley, whom he has been happily married to since August 14, 1948. After his graduation from Mt. Jackson High School, Paul served his county in the US Army from 1943-1945 as a Sergeant with the 38th Infantry. He was awarded the Bronze Star and various medals including the WWII Meritorious Service Medal and also participated in the Avenger of Bataan Death March. After his honorable discharge he attended Youngstown State University, graduating in 1957. For 12 years he was employed with Shenango Pottery until he began work as a controller with Rockwell in the Spring Division where he worked for 30 years until his retirement. He was the co-owner of Wilmington Laundromat for several years. Paul was a committed member of the Masonic for 71 years where he held memberships with the Blue Lodge for 71 years, Scottish Rite for 60 years and the Syria Temple Shrine for 55 years. During this time, he received the Meritorious Service Medal, the 33rd Degree (1998) for meritorious service to craft masonry and was awarded the Trustee Emeritus Title and Honorary Membership Supreme Council. Paul served as the past president of Syria Shrine Oriental Band where he marched and played in over 200 Shrine parades for Children's Hospitals. He also served as past president of the Mid-Atlantic Oriental Band Association from 1983-1984, past Commander of the Consistory Legion of Honor in 1989, past trustee of the New Castle Consistory and past president of the Lawrence Caravan. Serving as secretary to the Cathedral Foundation Board for 8 years, he was chairman of fundraising and current chairman of library. An Elks Club member since 1946, Paul was coronated a Sovereign Inspector General. For many years Paul was an active member of Third Presbyterian Church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, elder, deacon, member of Session, member of the Mr. & Mrs. Sunday School Class and the Men's Club. He also was a choir member and served on the Pulpit Committee. Among his other interests he enjoyed golf, softball and bowling, but most importantly spending time with his family. Contributing to his longevity of life was his faith and work ethic which Paul maintained throughout his lifetime. In addition to his wife, Lady Margaret, who is also a 70+ member of Eastern Star, he is survived by one sister, Nancy Jane Kerr of Liberty, Ohio; two sons, William L. (Myrna) McKinley of Conneaut Lake, PA and Timothy P. McKinley of Mentor, Ohio; one daughter, Michelle L. (James) Burns of New Castle; 5 grandchildren, Chad M. McKinley and William Lucas McKinley of Naples, Florida, James P. (Jenna) Gray of Poland, Ohio, Epiphany N. (Shane) Lehman of New Castle and Vanessa McKinley of New Hampshire; 3 great-grandchildren, Elliana E. Benincase of New Castle, Owen J. Gray and Harper J. Gray of Poland, Ohio and multiple nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Shirley J. McKinley. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle. A Masonic service will be held during that time. A funeral service will take place on Friday, July 3, at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Frederick H. Gilbert of Independent Methodist Church and Rev. Jordan Rimmer of Northminster Presbyterian Church officiating. Full military rites will be performed by the New Castle Area Honor Guard. Burial will be in Castle View Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Independent Methodist Church, PO Box 7805, New Castle, PA 16107 or Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2434 Wilmington Road, New Castle, PA 16105. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.cunninghamfh.com