Frank Edward McKinney Jr.

(Nov. 3, 1938-Sept. 11, 1992). Born in Indianapolis, Frank McKinney Jr. grew up close to success. His father, Frank E. Mckinney Sr. was the chairman of American Fletcher National Bank (AFNB).

Competitive swimming provided the first forum for his own achievements. While a junior at Cathedral High School, McKinney won the bronze medal in the 100-meter backstroke at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. As a freshman at Indiana University, he won the first of nine Big Ten Conference swimming titles. McKinney’s early athletic career culminated with a silver medal in the 100-meter backstroke and a gold medal as part of the 400-meter medley relay team at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.

After receiving his B.S. from Indiana University in 1961, and his M.B.A. (also from IU) the following year, McKinney served in U.S. Army Intelligence (1962-1964) before beginning a banking career as an assistant cashier for the First National Bank of Chicago.

In 1967, he left Chicago for a position with AFNB. In 1972, he was named president of AFNB and then chairman of the board in 1973. He became president of the American Fletcher Corporation in 1983, and the corporation came fully under his leadership in 1984 when he was named chairman and CEO. In 1987, the American Fletcher Corporation merged with Banc One of Columbus, Ohio, and became Banc One Indiana Corporation. McKinney was named chairman of the board, a position he held until his death.

Outside of banking, McKinney’s accomplishments were numerous and diverse. He was responsible for bringing the Amateur Athletic Union’s headquarters to Indianapolis, and he headed the effort to create the Indianapolis Sports Center. He served as a senior advisor in the Export Promotion Program and as co-chair of the Indiana Democratic Business Council. He also served on the board of governors for the United Way of Central Indiana.

McKinney died in 1992 in a midair collision that also killed community leaders Robert V. Welch, John R. Weliever, and Michael A. Carroll.

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