Don R. Kinney

Don R. Kinney, 87, of Brenham, TX, formerly of Punta Gorda, FL, passed away peacefully with his family at his side at home on Saturday, July 19, 2014.

Born and raised in Ludington, Michigan on his grandparent’s homesteaded farm, Don grew fond of the dairy business and farming at an early age. He became responsible for milk deliveries during the depression and remembers as a youngster the hardships his parents and neighbors experienced.

As a child living near Lake Michigan, Don quickly acquired a love for being on the water and made his own sailing vessels. As he grew, his fondness of the sea grew also, and he was an avid sailor for most of his adult life, especially enjoying his participation in racing, pleasure sailing and then cabin cruising after retirement.

Don achieved a four-year college education graduating from Aurora University in Aurora, IL. He volunteered to serve his country as a Merchant Marine in World War II and in the U.S.Coast Guard in the Korean War. He has enjoyed an extremely patriotic attitude his entire life and proudly exhibits the Stars and Stripes. His favorite hymn is Rock of Ages.

In 1965 Don’s family moved to Naperville, IL. He joined the Coca-Cola Company in the Chicago area and had a colorful career in Public Relations and Governmental Affairs, entertaining and educating congressmen, business executives and the press - mostly in the Chicago and San Francisco areas.

Don has three beautiful daughters (Karen, Donna and Robin) with his first wife, Monie (deceased), and two grandchildren (Zara-17 and Cosmo-13). His priority in life has always been to stay connected with his family.

When Don was 65 he married Anne in 1990, moved to Florida and enjoyed a retired life of family activities, boating, traveling and socializing to name the highlights. In 2004 Don and Anne moved to Brenham, TX, where they could spend more time with their beloved Zara and Cosmo.

While a memorial service will not be held, there will be a celebration of life gathering later in the year at his residence in Brenham.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in his name be directed to Hospice Brazos Valley, 302 E. Blue Bell Rd., Brenham, Texas 77833. They can be reached at 979-277-9525 or www.hospicebrazosvalley.org.

The family would like to thank our wonderful caregivers, Debra Mann and Mary Ann Wycoff. We have been blessed to have their help.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer, Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com