John Kinney

John C. Kinney, 97, of Ashland, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.

John was born January 25, 1926, in Stockport, Ohio, to the late Beeman and Elaine Yarnell Kinney. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Eloise Francis Adams Kinney; and a sister Barbara Jean Bone.

John was a 1943 graduate of Windsor High School. In 1944 he joined the United States Navy serving on the Destroyer USS Irwin in the South Pacific. He was injured during the Battle of Saipan and medically discharged. On August 4, 1945, he married Eloise Francis Adams Kinney. The same year he began his career with Kentucky Power where he remained until his retirement in 1988. John was an active member of Rose Hill Baptist Church where he served as Trustee, was active in his Sunday school class and volunteered for many years. He was a proud member of Gideons International and 75-year member of the Hampton Masonic Lodge 235. He loved fishing, listening to country music, playing cards and was an avid bowler and reader. He never missed a Cincinnati Reds or UK Wildcats game. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Those left to cherish his memory include a daughter Jennifer Smith and husband Robert of Ashland, KY.; a son Paul Michael Kinney and wife Cynthia of Vinton, VA.; brother, David Michael Kinney and wife Karen of Bowerston, OH., grandchildren John Edward Kinney and wife Amanda of Alexandria, VA., Jessica Leighty of Ashland, KY., Jason Ryan Smith of Lexington, KY., and Elizabeth Greene and husband Bryan of Ashland, KY.; great grandchildren John Ryan, Taylor, Carson, Alice, Lilly, Madeline and Pearl; nieces, nephews, and a caregiver and friend, Teresa Mills and family.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00p.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023, at STEEN FUNERAL HOME 13TH STREET CHAPEL followed by a celebration of John’s life at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. Matt Shamblin officiating.

Burial will follow in Rose Hill Burial Park where military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy and American Legion Kenova Post93.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’ s memory should be made to Rose Hill Baptist Church or Gideons International.

To share a memory of John or to extend condolences to his family, please visit: steenfuneralhome.com.