Ted "Ray" Kinnee

He was born in Lansing to Arlie and Doreen (Thompson) Kinnee, and grew up most of his life in Lansing, with a couple of years in northern MI as a young child. Ted graduated from Waverly Senior High School in 1969. Ted proudly served in the US Army in Vietnam 1970 – 1971. He lived in the greater Ypsilanti area for a few years as a young adult.

Ted loved the company of others and made many dear friends over the years. He helped us see the lighter side of life, had a keen sense of humor, and was respected for his gentle and thoughtful manner. He was bright, liked to learn new concepts and broaden his perspective, and enjoyed reading books on a range of topics. In particular, Ted liked being supportive to others grappling with mental illness.

For the past 4 years, Ted has lived at the Michigan Veteran Homes in Grand Rapids where he received excellent care and developed new skills and hobbies, participated in every activity possible, including cultural and sports outings. The family have immense gratitude to the employees and friends of the Veteran Homes. We would also like to thank Emmanuel Hospice for their wonderful, caring services at the end of Ted’s life.

Of tremendous importance, this past May 17, he joined Talons Out Honor Flight with volunteer John Palmer; many thanks to Mr. Palmer and Veteran Homes employees who were there in person to welcome them on the Walk of Honor and worked behind the scenes to make this happen for Ted. This acknowledgement of his service was healing and brought great comfort to him.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents and baby brother David and his father-in-law, Donald Carrier. He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Darlene. Stepdad to Heather (Brent) Browning, Mandy (Ryan) Ames, Brittany, and Brian Gibbs Jr.; Step poppy of Amarya, Jaydon, Adalya, Adalyn, and Amelia; his three sisters Dianne Kinnee (Marko), Susan “Zora” Kinnee, and Kathleen Gates (Greg), 6 nieces and nephews; and 5 great nieces and nephews, as well as his mother-in-law, Mary T. Carrier, and special friends Angelica Sematra and Sherry Flanders.

The visitation will be held on November 8, 2025, at 10 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11 AM at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing, 5509 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI 48911.

Inurnment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI 48442 on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 12:30 PM (please arrive no later than 12:15 PM). Military Honors will be rendered under the auspices of the United States Army.

Memorial donations can be directed to: Wounded Warriors Project, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Autism Alliance of Michigan (see links below).