Charles Lynn Kinney III, son of Charles Lynn II and Eldora (Hansen) Kinney, was born on December 27, 1941, in Shenandoah, Iowa. He passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 9, 2007, at his home in Essex, Iowa, at age 65.
Chuck grew up in Essex where he attended the Essex Schools, graduating from Essex High School with the Class of 1960. On May 18, 1965, Chuck was united in marriage to Donna Mae Riley in Nebraska City, Nebraska. To this union was born one son, Calvin. He worked in the Meat Department for over 42 years at the Hy-Vee Food Stores in Shenandoah and most recently in Red Oak.
Living all of his life in Essex, Chuck was proud of his family's history and strong ties to the Essex community. Wanting to do his part to help, Chuck served on the Essex City Council from 1978 to 1982. He was elected Mayor of Essex from 1982 to 1998 and again from 2002 to the present. He was also a member of the Essex Fire and Rescue from 1971 to 1994. In 1976, he was one of the founders of the Essex Emergency Medical Service.
Most important to Chuck was his family. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed watching them play sports. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. He also enjoyed mowing the lawn with his dog, Kiwi, and riding around town on his scooter. He was baptized in the Essex Presbyterian Church.
Preceding Chuck in death were his parents; wife, Donna Mae; infant son from another marriage, Lynn Todd Kinney; and brother-in-law, Steve Schieding. Survivors include his son, Calvin Kinney and wife Angie; four grandchildren, Courtney, Caleb, Colby and Cameron Kinney, all of Essex; mother-in-law, Ella Riley of Essex; brothers and sisters-in-law, Paul Riley and wife Helen of Essex, Dave Riley and wife Emma of Essex, Robert Riley and wife Connie of Alexander, SC, and Jerry Riley and wife Sharon of Parsons, KS, Linda Schieding of Thorton, CO; nieces and nephews, Carol Seikman, Nancy Falk, Curtis Riley, Paula Vandusen, Sarah Sullender, Rodney Riley, Jeff Riley, Dave Riley, Pat Riley, Joe Riley, Kerry Riley, Angie Zach, Cindy Hancock and their families; other close friends and family.
Funeral Services were held on Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. from the Presbyterian Church in Essex. Words of Comfort were given by Pastor Jerry Lamb and Remembrances were given by family and friends. Honorary Casket Bearers were Ed Anderson, Will Lester, Bob Riley, Jerry Riley, Russ HIlker, Delaine Resh, Dave Riley, Sr.,and Paul Riley. Casket Bearers were Pat Riley, Dave Riley, Jr., Rod Riley, Curtis Riley, Lynn Wallingford, and Jim Royer. Interment was in Essex Cememtery.
Memorials in Chuck's name are being directed to the Essex Fire and Rescue or to the City of Essex.