Obituary
John Kyle Kinzer Jr.
(October 24, 1939 - March 25, 2020)
John Kyle Kinzer Jr., 80 of
Huntington, WV passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at his residence. A
Celebration of Life will be held at date to be determined. He was born
October 24, 1939 in Beckley, WV, the son of the late John Kyle Kinzer Sr.
and Laura Virginia Munsell Kinzer. In addition to his parents he was
preceded in death by a sister, Katie Kinzer Carroll; a brother, Blaine
Kinzer and a brother-in-law, Hank Haden. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson
High School, Beckley, WV, Marshall University, and West Virginia
University. He retired from Arch Coal, Inc. (Ashland Coal) after a long
career spanning five decades. After a year at West Virginia University, John
found his scholastic home at Marshall University, beginning a relationship
with the institution and the Huntington community that would last his
lifetime. At Marshall, he also met Betty Sue and their love story began!
John credits Marshall with a great deal of his success and returned that
debt 10 fold. He spent his life in the service of others. He was committed
to St. John's Episcopal Church, Hospice of Huntington, Cammack Children's
Center and Marshall University. He was an ardent supporter of Marshall
football and basketball and spent years giving service through the Alumni
Association, Society of Yeager Scholars and the Marshall University
Foundation. One of his proudest accomplishments was coming out of
retirement to serve as the Interim CEO of the Marshall University
Foundation. He adored his children and grandchildren who affectionately
knew him as Pooba. He loved spending time at his second home, Deep Creek
Lake in Maryland. He lived life to the fullest and those who had the
pleasure of knowing him appreciated his quick-wit, integrity, passion,
generosity, faith and determination. He impacted many whom he encountered,
through all facets of his life. He was a confidant, mentor and friend. His
was no ordinary life, it was a life well-lived and well-loved! He will be
deeply missed. He is survived by his loving family, his wife of 57 years,
Betty Sue Haden Kinzer; two daughters and son-in-law Robin and Keith West of
Marinette, WI, and Terri Trompak of Bedford, NH; a son and daughter-in-law
John E. and Robin Kinzer of Arlington, VA; grandchildren Kinzie, Torie and
Haden Trompak and Allison, Katie and Sarah Kinzer; a brother and
sister-in-law, Bill and Mary Kinzer of Gadsden, Alabama; a brother-in-law,
Dave Haden of Charleston, WV; many nieces, nephews and precious friends. In
lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to: Cammack Children's
Center or Marshall University Foundation in honor of John to support the
endowments for both the Society of Yeager Scholars and the Kinzer Family
Scholarship.
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