Allen Wayne McKinley, 82, of Trinity, passed away on April 10, 2026.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Allen L. and Bernice McKinley; and daughter, Cami Scarmardo.
Allen is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Susan McKinley; children, Karen Ivy and husband, Johnny, Amanda Gates and husband, James, Joe McCown and wife, Jennifer; grandchildren, Hillary Turnage and husband, James, Haley Lugo and husband, Eric, Josh Ivy and wife, Paige, Tre Scarmardo, Makayla McKinley; Aubrey Gates, Carlee Shrake, Kinley McCown, Abigail Gates; great-grandchildren, Khloie, Kora, Rory, Jacob, Ryder, JohnJohn; special aunt, Louise Edwards; first wife, Darlene McKinley; brother-in-law, Allen Morgan; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Allen was born in Houston, Texas, on Aug. 22, 1943, and grew up in the Heights area and then moved to Spring Branch and graduated from Spring Branch High School. McKinley led a most captivating life. He was in the United States Air Force, worked at the Texas Highway Department, spent some time at Spring Branch ISD’s property tax department and worked in the petrochemical business and traveled the United States going from job to job. In 1982 after the engineering business took a hard hit, he started working at the Austin County Appraisal District while appraisal districts were being formed. He became Chief Appraiser in 1985 and moved on to serve as Chief Appraiser in Trinity, San Jacinto and Falls counties. He served and chaired many committees during his 44 years in property tax. He was also an instructor in Property Tax Appraisal and Collections and was recognized as instructor of the year several years. He was a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where he served for 47 years on several committees. He loved a good cutting horse. He showed and attended every chance he could. In 2012 he was given the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. He handled it like he had everything else, following the doctor’s advice and care and giving it to God. He was most proud of his study of the Bible and being ordained in 2015. He spent most of the last years sharing the gospel and visiting with fellow chemo patients. Rest easy, cowboy, and we will see you again one day.
Donations as a memorial can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Pennington Baptist Church. 398
