Owen Lee Hinkle, 89, son of Glen and Minnie Hinkle, was born August 31, 1932 in Bucyrus, Missouri. He passed away January 24, 2022 at Center Point Medical Center. Lee grew up in the Bucyrus-Houston, Missouri area having graduated from Houston High School in 1950.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Doris Hinkle; step-son, Mark Nienhueser; brothers, Walter "Buck" Hinkle and Gene Hinkle and sisters, Loren Odom and Irene Moore.
He is survived by step-son, Craig (Debbie) Nienhueser of Higginsville, Missouri; step-daughter, Dawn (Don) Brooks of Kansas City, Missouri; 12 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Lee was employed by the U.S. Civil Service Commissions for over 33 years, the last 20 years with the U.S. Marine Corps Finance Center, Kansas City, Missouri. After 2 years retirement, Lee became an over the road truck driver and did so for over 9 years. During this time, his wife was allowed to accompany him on trips of her choice, which resulted in trips to all lower 48 states. Following that career, Lee became employed at the Silver Dollar City Theme park in Branson, Missouri for 10 years having finally retired in 2009. In 2012, they relocated back to Independence, Missouri to be closer to family and relatives. Lee and Doris were long time members of the United Methodist Church.
A visitation for Lee will be held Monday, January 31, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Newcomer's Noland Road Chapel, 509 S. Noland Road, Independence, Missouri with Funeral Service beginning at 12:00 PM; Pastor Patty Smith and Pastor Mark Costanzo officiating. A committal with military honors will follow the Funeral Service at Corder Calvary Cemetery, 20 Hwy, Corder, MO 64037. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 14506 E. 39th Street, Independence, Missouri 64055.