CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – Governor Patrick Morrisey has ordered United States and West Virginia state flags at the Capitol Complex and at all state facilities throughout West Virginia to be flown at half-staff in honor of former Congressman David McKinley, who passed away on April 17, 2026.
“Denise and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman David McKinley, who dedicated his life to serving the people of West Virginia,” said Governor Morrisey. “From the House of Delegates to the United States Congress, David worked to move our state forward and made a real difference for those he represented.”
McKinley, a Wheeling native, graduated from Purdue University with a degree in civil engineering and founded McKinley Architecture and Engineering in 1981.
He served 14 years in the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 3rd District, and later chaired the West Virginia Republican Party. In 2010, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, becoming the first Republican to represent West Virginia’s 1st Congressional District in more than four decades.
Congressman McKinley is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary Gerkin McKinley, their four children, and six grandchildren.
“On behalf of the First Lady and myself, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Mary, the entire McKinley family, and all who knew and loved him. His contributions to West Virginia will stand the test of time,” Governor Morrisey concluded.
Flags were lowered to half-staff at noon on Monday, April 20, 2026, and will remain at half-staff until sunset on Monday, April 27, 2026.
