Hurcle Eugene Kinder

With a spring in his step and a song on his lips, Hurcle Eugene Kinder lived his 77 years here on Earth. His happy-go-lucky demeanor was contagious. Even suffering from the cruel disease, Lewy Body Dementia, he never spoke a harsh word. Instead he would shake hands, kiss and sing to everyone, even strangers. His laughter will echo through the lives of those around him.

Hurcle Eugene Kinder passed from this life to the next on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015. He was the son of Oscar Elmer Kinder and Mary Alvin Kinder and was born on Dec. 27, 1937, in Painton, Mo.

On Sept. 13, 1957, he was united in marriage to Janet Marie Isaac in Sikeston.

Mr. Kinder was a Korean War veteran. He served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Intrepid. After his service, Mr. Kinder returned home and provided for his family.

He is survived by three daughters, Robin Glass of Bell City; Shelley Green of Bloomfield and Wendy Guzman of Dexter; one brother, Arthur Lee Kinder of Dexter; four sisters, Joyce Kinder and Betty Johns of Sikeston; Margaret Long of Bell City and Barbara Jones of Puryear, Tenn.; nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Stephen Kinder and his wife, Janet Marie Kinder.

Mr. Kinder was a longtime resident of Southeast Missouri and then moved to Farmersville, Calif., where he and Mrs. Kinder resided for 25 years.

Mr. Kinder retired as a custodian from the Farmersville School District. He was also a member of the Apostolic Church pastored by Rev. Steve Love. The couple then moved back to Southeast Missouri due to illness.

Mr. Kinder could frequently be seen riding his bicycle to the flea market "shucking and jiving" while trading knives and watches. You never saw him without his Bible in his shirt pocket; he loved to minister the word of God. This sweet-spirited man also enjoyed playing his harmonica. The playful melody can still be heard if you listen well. Mr. Kinder was also the biggest clown you would ever meet. He was known for his practical jokes and his goofy facial expressions.

As a family, we are honored to have shared this incredible journey with him. If we could use one word to sum up Hurcle Kinder's life, it would be: FUN.

Visitation will be at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Wednesday, Oct., 7, 2015, from 5 p. m. to 8 p. m. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, at 1 p. m. in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel with Tommy Green officiating. Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veteran's Cemetery.

Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.