Donald R. Kinker, age 95, was finally reunited with the love of his life on April 4, 2020. His beautiful wife of 69 years, Sara E. (Peterson) Kinker, had previously passed away on Dec. 9, 2015, and Don spent the last five years of his life talking about how much he was looking forward to seeing her again in heaven.
Don was born in Cheviot, Ohio, on June 29, 1925, to Alvin and Marie (Schrage) Kinker. He and Sara, a talented art student, met in college at U of L. They were married in Louisville on Aug. 31, 1946, after Don graduated from the U of L V12 Program as an ensign in the Navy with a degree in engineering. They moved to Detroit, MI, shortly after they married, where Don went to work for Chrysler Corp. as an automotive engineer.
Don and Sara lived on East Lake Road in Cazenovia for many years while Don was the plant manager for New Process Gear in Syracuse. They were active members of the Cazenovia United Methodist Church and had many friends in the area. Two of their children, Sue and John, graduated from Cazenovia Central School. The family all loved the lake and Don taught his family and friends how to water ski and sail there. We all have many happy memories of our years spent there.
Don is survived by his daughter, Sue (Kinker) Nease and her husband Mike, his son, Ted Kinker and his wife Michele, and his daughter-in-law, Lynn (Thompson) Kinker. In addition to his wife Sara, Don was predeceased by his son, John Kinker, who passed away in 2017. He is also survived by six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He will be deeply missed by his family and his many friends. A celebration of his life will be planned for the future in Howell, MI. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Don and Sara’s favorite charity, “Operation Smile,” in their name.
