1933-2022
B. Barnell Kinkade was born on January 15, 1933, in Brimson, Mo. to Dean B. Kinkade and Sara Mae (McClure) Kinkade and passed away peacefully at John Knox Village Care Center on November 18, 2022. Barney graduated from high school in Gallatin, Mo., where he met his future wife, Carol, with whom he was to share 68 years of marriage. He graduated from the University of Missouri, and served two years in the US Army. He and Carol were married on September 27, 1954, and they settled in Independence, Mo. where they raised their family, then moving to Lee’s Summit in 1987.
Barney is survived by his wife, Carol Kinkade (Medsker) of Lee’s Summit, his sons: Jeff Kinkade (Diane) of Lenexa, Kan. and Brian Kinkade (Brenda) of Columbia, Mo., and his daughter Kristin Clayton (Chad) of Lees Summit. His nine grandchildren are Aimee Lavender (Joe) of Vail, Ariz., Kevin Kinkade (Paul Burman) of Mission, Kan., Andrew Kinkade of Columbia, Sara Clayton (Brett Pollard) of Overland Park, Kan., Anna Thiele (Josh) of Roeland Park, Kan., Jessica Kinkade of Columbia, Emily Kinkade of Fargo, N.D., Mae Kinkade (Manny Smith) of Kansas City, Mo., and William Kinkade of Fayetteville, Ark. Barney also was blessed with eight greatgrandchildren: Katie, Ruby, Joseph, Alexandra, Elias, Levi, John, and Charlie. After college graduation, Barney began a long and successful business career. His early work included jobs as a writer and editor, however he soon transitioned into management where his exceptional talents with people and team building permitted his rise to executive level, highlighted by a 20 year career with the SC Johnson Company. Rather than accepting promotion and relocation to the corporate level, Barney chose to stay in Missouri near family, and embarked on new careers as Marketing Manager with the Unitog Corporation, and for 12 years as a consultant and life coach with the EPA.
Barney had many interests beyond work, including reading, gardening, cooking, and a lifelong passion for the power of words and language, which manifested in numerous works of prose, poetry, and humor that his family cherishes. He was also blessed with a strong faith that sustained him, and he held various leadership roles at First Christian Church of Independence, where he and Carol attended over 50 years. In more recent years, they found their faith home at Lee’s Summit Christian Church.
Memorial Services will be at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St. S, Independence, MO 64055 on Saturday, November 26, 2022, with a visitation at 9 a.m. and service at 10 a.m. Donations may be made to Lee’s Summit Christian Church, First Christian Church of Independence, or the Alzheimers Association.