E. Wayne Kinsley, 81, of Hiawatha, died at the home of a daughter in St. Joseph, MO, Thursday evening, January 17, 2019.

A celebration of Wayne’s life is planned for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 23, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, with Pastor Kevin Rea officiating.  Interment with military honors will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Tuesday.  The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services.

Wayne was born at Leona, Kansas, November 10, 1937, one of four children of August Kinsley and Irene Mink Molt and had lived in this area most of his life.  His father died when Wayne was very young and his mother married Raymond Molt who helped raise him.  His family moved to Hiawatha where he grew up, attended James Elementary School, later Hiawatha High School.  He worked to earn his GED during his time in the military.  After high school he immediately enlisted with the US Navy in 1955, serving a total of 20 years, discharged at the rank of Chief Petty Officer First Class in 1975, where he served aboard several ships and carriers.  Wayne returned to Hiawatha and opened a blacksmith shop a few years before starting as a policeman for the city of Hiawatha, a position he held for 13 years working his way up to Sgt., Captain/Asst. Chief.  As a patrolman, he completed the Law Enforcement Training Academy and various classes required through the years.  In the last several years, Wayne was a reserve officer for not only the police department, but later Brown County Sheriff Office.  Not only was he talented with building and welding metal, but also liked to make things with wood.

Wayne was ingrained and dedicated to the people of Hiawatha.  He enjoyed cooking and sharing his goods with many along the way:  chili at the fire dept. before Halloween Parade, making pies for Geri’s meeting for the genealogical meetings, and with others to happened to be a the right place at the right time!  Wayne loved his motorcycles and has owned several though the years and was a member of ABATE District #11.  He was dedicated to his family:  loving husband, father, and grandfather.

He married Geraldine “Geri” Gooshaw.  They have been married for over 54 years.  She survives.

Also surviving are children Thomas Kinsley, Robert Kinsley, Dianna Haynes, Milton Kinsley, James Kinsley Natalie Travis; 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are a brother Dana of Wyoming, and a sister Phyllis Gardner of Hiawatha.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, and brother Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to the Diabetes Association sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.
www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

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