Robert Henry Kinman

Robert (Bob) Henry Kinman, age 77, passed away surrounded by his wife and children on February 14, 2021. Bob fought cancer for a number of years but in the end he went peacefully with our Lord and Savior to live a life we all long for.

Bob was born November 3, 1943, the youngest of three children, to Orrin E. and Violet E. Kinman of Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Raytown High School in 1963. He developed a passion for cars and went to work at Roy’s Deep Rock in Raytown, Missouri where he met the love of his life, Lenore J. Thorpe. They dated for one and a half years, then were married at our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Raytown on May 15, 1965, on her parents 25th wedding anniversary. They were blessed to have three children and five grandchildren. Bob loved spending time with his family, going to car shows and restoring old cars.

In 1965, Bob left his father-in-law’s gas station to start a 43 year career at Missouri Public Service Company. He started as a janitor, then became a lineman, and later entered a management position as a highline supervisor. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Union 1464.

Bob was a devoted Catholic raising his family to know God’s love. He was a past member of Saint John Francis Regis and Saint Bernadette Catholic Churches, and a current member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

He was a devoted husband, loving father/grandfather, and friend to so many. He had a dry wit and did not know a stranger. He could make anyone smile with his kindness and beautiful twinkling blue eyes.

He was predeceased by his parents, Orrin and Violet Kinman; and his brothers Kenneth V. and James E. Kinman. Bob is survived by his wife for 55 years, Lenore; his daughter Leslie Scalzo and son-in-law Peter (Pete), his son Richard (Rick) Kinman and daughter-in-law Mindy, and son John (JT) Kinman and daughter-in-law Angeline, and five grandchildren – Christopher and Dominic Scalzo and Chelsey, Collin and Cassey Kinman. He is also survive by his sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-laws - Jolene Kinman, Janet Kinman, Jim and Vicki Thorpe, Jeane and Vic Gustin, Joan and Ron Sandstrom, Bob and Maria Thorpe, Debbie Nichols and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life mass will be held March 20, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church located at 1800 MO-150 Highway, Lee’s Summit, Missouri followed by a visitation. COVID restrictions require that masks be worn and social distancing observed.

The family would like to thank Dr. Amir Hemaya and Dr. Ravindra Chuda, as well as the many nurses and therapist who assisted in providing excellent care for him over the past two years. They would also like to acknowledge all the friends and family members who showed their love and dedication to Bob and his family. And a special thanks to the participants in the drive by car show that was held for Bob last fall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church or Kansas City Hospice.