RM
U.S. Army · United States 
Robert McKinley
1947
Robert Fern McKinley served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Deputy Sheriff Fern McKinley was killed in an automobile crash on Highway 59, south of Avoca, while responding to an other accident at approximately 8:40 pm.
It is believed that another car crowded his vehicle onto the soft shoulder of the roadway. He was partially ejected from the vehicle when it went down a 30-foot embankment and landed in Jim Creek. Nearby farmers who heard the crash responded to the scene and located his body.
Deputy McKinley was a U.S. Army veteran of WWI and had served with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office for eight years.
It is believed that another car crowded his vehicle onto the soft shoulder of the roadway. He was partially ejected from the vehicle when it went down a 30-foot embankment and landed in Jim Creek. Nearby farmers who heard the crash responded to the scene and located his body.
Deputy McKinley was a U.S. Army veteran of WWI and had served with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and mother.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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