Thomas Robert Kinney of East Lansing passed away on December 1, 2018 at the age of 57. Tom is survived by his wife, Kristin; stepchildren, Ted and Emma McGinn; father, John “Jack;” and siblings, Kathy Lorenz, Kevin (Patty), Tim (Debbie), Nancy (Mark) Twichell, Jane (Patrick) Huber, and John. Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Jill (2018).
Tom graduated from East Lansing High School in 1979 and proudly served seven years in the U.S. Navy as an Interior Communications Electrician from 1982 to 1989. Shortly after his return to East Lansing, Tom began his career at Michigan State University. He worked as a Telecommunication Engineer at WKAR for 25 years. Tom was a dedicated and conscientious worker, and a loyal Spartan.
Tom loved tinkering with electronics and took any non-working object as a personal challenge. He related well to people from all walks of life. He could, and often would, strike up cheerful conversations with anyone who crossed his path. He was an avid sports fan with a particular affinity for golf. Tom’s interests also included travel and classic cars.
Tom and Kristin were childhood sweethearts and were overjoyed to be reunited later in life. Tom was a loving husband, devoted stepfather, and doting uncle to his nieces and nephews: Erik and Kerry Lorenz; Maureen and Caitlin Kinney; Allie and Jack Kinney; Kurt (Kate), Jay and Shannon Twichell. In July of 2018, Tom became a great-uncle with the birth of Kurt & Kate’s twin children, Griffin and Aubrey Twichell.
Tom’s life will be celebrated with a Memorial Mass at St. John Catholic Church and Student Center, 327 MAC, East Lansing, on Monday, January 14 at 1:30 pm.
Following the service, there will be a reception at 3:00 pm at Coral Gables, 2838 E. Grand River, East Lansing. For those unable to attend the reception, there will be a brief visitation in the church immediately after the service.
There will be a military ceremony preceding interment on Tuesday, January 15 at Fort Custer Cemetery in Augusta, MI.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Legion.
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Chapel, East Lansing.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.greastlansing.com
