Joseph Stewart Hinnen

Joseph Stewart Hinnen passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023 after suffering a series of medical events over a two year period of time that took their toll on his body. He was blessed with good friends by his side at the time of his passing.

Joe was born in Atchison, Kansas to Walter and Mary Jeanne (Marlatt) Hinnen. They preceded him in death as did a sister, Velda Hanson. Surviving is a sister Pam Bay, brother-in-law Bill Bay, a niece, two nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and Joe's long time devoted partner and advocate, Jim Hinnen.

He attended Franklin Grade School and graduated from Atchison High School in 1959. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Atchison, was active in Boy Scouts of America, a member of the Tribe of Mic-o-Say in St. Joseph, MO, and attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

Joe continued his education in Highland Jr. College and Emporia State Teacher's College.

He enlisted in the United States Army and served in Japan and Ethiopia. His time as chaplain's and Band Master assistant in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia was a most rewarding experience for Joe as he organized a military band to play for events in the presence of Haile Selassie, the Emperor of Ethiopia at the time.

He retired from the Kansas City Southern Railroad.

From an early age, Joe was drawn toward music whether it was dancing around his grandparent's living room while Grandma Hinnen played the piano or listening to records at home while doing Saturday chores.

He was a member of the Atchison High School Band and Orchestra in the percussion section. Piano and organ were his favorite instruments and he developed a hands on knowledge of organs, from pump organs to pipe organs, and loved discussing their construction and features to anyone who would listen. He installed a church organ in his home with his brother-in-law designing the living room ceiling to accommodate the speakers. He was delighted to play for family weddings when asked. Now the vibration you feel may be Joe with the volume turned up as his toes tap on those brass peddles.

A visitation for Joseph will be held Friday, October 13, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM with a funeral service at 11:00 AM at Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112. Joseph will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelhill-butler.com for the Hinnen family.