Dr. Otis McKinley - McKinley Park, Fraser, MI. - Citizen Memorials on Waymarking.com

Dedicated to Dr. Otis McKinley

The plaque reads:

Mayor of Fraser 1964-1968

On October 23, 1977, the City of Fraser dedicated this park in honor of Dr. Otis McKinley for his service to our community. Dr. McKinley, as a city father, served on the Charter Commission, and became the first Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, as well as City Councilman until 1964. He served as Mayor from 1964 to 1968.

Otis V.B. McKinley was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas on March 1, 1911, to Joseph and Timmy Mckinley. He worked in the family meat market until attending the University of Kansas City where he graduated from dental school in 1936, moving to Fraser in 1937 to begin his dental practice of 45 years.

In 1944, "Doc" built the McKinley Airport in the northwest corner of the city, which became the busiest private airport in Michigan, as well as being the host site for many community events.

Dr. McKinley married Phyliss, daughter of Evard and Catherine Nelson of Fraser, in 1945. In 1952 the McKinley's outgrew thier home on Parklane Avenue and moved to a home adjacent to the airport. By the time Dr. McKinley became mayor, the family had grown to twelve children, to which he responded about his large family, "It's cheaper by the dozen."

Dr. McKinley died on May 25, 1994, leaving as his legacy a model for us all: to value education, be committed to family, and serve the community. McKinley Park insures that "Doc's" many contributions will long be remembered.

Location: McKinley Park Website with more information on either the memorial or the person(s) it is dedicated to: Not listed

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