Melvin D Kinney

Melvin Dean Kinney was born on July 9, 1934, in Halsey, Nebraska, to Aaron and Mable Kinney. He was one of six siblings. Melvin moved with his family to Washington in 1948. While staying with his Aunt and Uncle Clarin and Erma Kinney. He started the 8th grade attending school in Yelm, where he met his future wife, Myrtle Lawton. They married in 1952, raising five sons and two daughters.

Melvin worked out of the Olympia Labors Union, Local 486 in construction work for many years, where he also became president and a Washington and Northern Idaho state delegate to convention in Florida in 1971. His work also took him to California, where he worked for the Movie Studio Union. Working for Walt Disney, Universal, MGM, and Columbia Studios. Melvin also worked on the big island in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, operating heavy equipment.

After his retirement, he and Myrtle traveled from their home at Lawrence Lake to San Felipe, Baja Mexico for 18 years, where he helped build a church and was in the Outreach program, delivering food and clothing to those in need. At an earlier age, they both were youth leaders at various churches and at Rock Springs Bible Camp in Goldendale, Washington.

Melvin was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend to all. As well as many teens who needed a place to stay, turning none away. He was a man of faith and loved God. He will be greatly missed.

Melvin leaves behind his wife of 72 years, his sons, Joseph Kinney (Shannon), Ricky Kinney, Kevin Kinney (Barb), Shawn Kinney (Nicole) and two daughters, Debra Kinney and Robin Foy (John) and a sister, Louise. Melvin was proceeded in death by his son Chester Kinney (Donna).

Melvin passed away on July 4, 2024, at the age of 89, five days before his 90th birthday.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 1:00, at 710 E. Mason Lake Rd, Shelton, Washington 98584. Lunch will be provided. Attire is Seattle Mariners.