Gene Leroy Kinney

Gene Kinney, age 88 of Perry, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2023, at the Eden Acres Campus of Perry Lutheran Homes in Perry, IA. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Carris Family Funeral Home & Cremation Care in Perry. Burial will be in the Richland Township Cemetery near Bagley, IA. Memorials will be given to family for later designation and may be left at the Carris Family Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Online condolences may be left at www.carrisfuneralhome.com. Gene Leroy Kinney was born April 9, 1935, at Herndon, Iowa to Merle Leroy and Edna M (Pell) Kinney. He grew up, the middle child of three, in the Herndon/Jamaica farm community. He graduated from Jamaica High School in 1952 and then began farming with his father. During slack times he was employed with the Milwaukee Railroad. Gene enjoyed music and was known to play the saxophone in several local band concerts during the summer, as well as a few years with the Jamaica Corn Kings. Gene was united in marriage to Karen Hess on March 23, 1958, at the Jamaica Union Church and at the same time was drafted into the United States Army. He served in the 1st Division - 5th Army Band from 1958-1960. The next 30 years were enjoyed living on the farm, raising their son Lyle, and daughter, Diana, as well as being a part of the local church, school, and community. Gene and Karen moved to Perry, Iowa in 1990. Gene was employed at the Woodward Resource Center for 15 years prior to retiring in 2001. He was a member of the Perry Bible Church, a 50-year Mason, Past Master of Jamaica, and Perry Masonic Lodges, served 2 terms on the YJB school board, enjoyed fishing trips to Canada and the morning coffee group in Perry. His greatest joy was his family, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Gene is preceded in death by wife Karen, his parents, Merle, and Edna Kinney. Survivors include his son, Lyle (Janet) Kinney of Bellevue, NE, daughter, Diana (Ray) Hughes of Aurora, CO., Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends. Funeral Service Thursday, January 18, 2024 1:00 PM Carris Family Funeral Home & Cremation Care 1721 Park St Perry, IA 50220