Kenneth Ray “Corky” Brinkley, age 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his daughter’s home in Grand Junction, Colorado on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
Corky was born in Dragerton, Utah on August 18, 1948 to James and Lois Brinkley; although he always swore his mother said he was born on the 19th so that’s when he celebrated. He went to school in Dragerton (East Carbon City) Utah except for a short time in Oklahoma when his family went there for work.
Corky was an Army veteran serving two tours in Vietnam rising to the rank of Sergeant in the 173rd Airborne Division, Charlie Company Infantry. He made over 200 jumps during his military career earning him the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge (1st Award) Parachutist badge, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, 2 Overseas Bars, Expert (M-14), Marksman (m-16), Sharpshooter (81MM). He was very proud of his time in the service for his country.
After the military, he married Marilyn Wayman and had 4 children, Johnnie (Alison ) Brinkley, Christina (Kirk) Payton, Laura (David) McKnight, and Charley Brinkley. They divorced in 1981. Corky fell in love with Marion Flores shortly after. She was the love of his life. He adopted Marion’s daughter, Sara Dawn Brinkley and had their son, Jimmy (Sheena) Brinkley. Corky and Marion adopted McKayla, Sara Lynn, and Kendra Brinkley. Corky had numerous grandchildren, Michael McKnight, Zaira Bollig, Wyatt and Delaney Brinkley, Kenny and Mikilah Brinkley, Salem Payton, and Legend and Kingston Brinkley. He had 2 beautiful great-granddaughters, MariAnna Martinez and Zena Shriver; bonus grandchildren, Jaden, Emma and Jacob Hernandez, and Klohe and Tommy Shriver.
Corky was a coal miner his whole life.
Corky had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed making up and singing ridiculous songs. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, riding ATVs, and watching sports; especially football and baseball. He loved his family and his best buddy, Tiny. He missed his wife every single second of every day for the last 9 years and couldn’t wait to see her again. Corky was larger than life in every way and he will be missed.
Corky is preceded in death by his parents, James and Lois Brinkley; beloved wife, Marion Brinkley; ex-wife, Marilyn Brinkley; brother, John Brinkley; and infant brother, Jimmy Brinkley.
Funeral Service’s for Corky will be on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 2:00 p.m., Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street) in Price. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the East Carbon City Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Corky online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net