John (Jack) Albert Kinnamon Jr., 83, El Dorado Springs, was born to John and Annie Kinnamon in Alabama on July 18, 1925. He was the fifth of seven children. His father was a carpenter and a policeman, and his mother was a nurse. Jack passed away June 12, 2009, in Warrensburg, with his wife of 62 years by his side.
Jack was a wartime veteran of World War II. He enlisted in the United States Navy on Oct. 9, 1943. He served as a cook and butcher on four patrol vessels and ended his service in Pensacola, FL. He received the rank of Seaman First Class and was awarded the Victory and American Theatre Ribbons. Jack was honorably discharged on May 31, 1946.
After his military service, Jack settled in the Odessa/Kansas City area. He met and married Wanda while working in El Dorado Springs. They were married on May 2, 1947, and were married 62 years. Wanda had a child, Kay, who was six months old when they married and together they had a son, Jackie. As a family, they enjoyed traveling and they traveled from Florida to Washington, DC, to Chicago to Colorado, Wyoming, California and Texas. These trips were some of John’s happiest times.
Jack worked for Mid-America Dairy and retired as Lab Foreman. During his 36 years of employment, he never missed a day of work. He enjoyed making wooden signs to give to his family and friends. During his retirement, Jack continued his passion for gardening. His garden and flowers were a source of pride to him. He also enjoyed reading and fishing and watching all sports.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of El Dorado Springs for 60 years. He was a member of the Jaycees for most of his adult life was one of the originators of the Youth Recreation Board and he coached Little League Baseball for many years.
Jack suffered several strokes and had problems with diabetes, high blood pressure and Alzheimer’s during his last years.
Preceding Jack in death were his parents; two brothers, Robert and Jerry; and two sisters, Billie and Ann.
Jack leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Wanda, of El Dorado Springs; one daughter, Kay Rethemeyer, and husband, Robert – Lee’s Summit; one son, Jack R. Kinnamon – El Dorado Springs; one granddaughter, Robin Knowles, and husband, William – Friendswood, TX; one grandson, Rustin Rethemeyer – Chicago, IL; and two great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Blake Knowles – Friendswood, TX; his mother-in-law, Grace Debler – El Dorado Springs; two sisters, Beverly Brown – Blue Springs, and Betty Butner – Garden City; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Services were held Monday, June 15, in Bland-Hackleman Chapel. Brother G.H. Sublett officiated the service and Ruth Brown provided the music. Interment followed in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.
Pallbearers were Jim Brown, Bob Brown, Lawrence Hicks, Clarence Hackleman, Bill Swindler and Robert Rethemeyer.
Memorial donations may be made to the Veterans Home in Warrensburg in memory of Jack Kinnamon. These donations may be left at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.
