Dennis Lee Kinyon

Dennis Lee Kinyon, a steady, unwavering, and generous presence in our lives, passed away on Monday, April 20th at the age of 77. He was born on September 17, 1948, in South Bend, Indiana to the late Helen and Clifford Kinyon.

After graduating from LaSalle High School, Dennis enrolled in the U.S. Army and served honorably, with about half of those years spent abroad in Germany. While overseas, he began to collect rock albums and stereo equipment. Dennis loved listening to music, especially while driving his red convertible Mustang.

In 1990 Dennis married Charlotte, who preceded him in death by only 9 months. Together they enjoyed 34 years of building and remodeling their home, designing and redesigning their yard, traveling, and caring for various animals that entered their world. To others Dennis was a quiet man, but with Charlotte he was never at a loss for words (when she let him have a word in edgewise). He was always good for a smile or an affirmative nod and was generally quite agreeable. Once our mother passed, Dennis was not the same. It was as if the light had gone out of his world. The one bright spot was Friday dinners, and we are not really sure who will now decide where to go because Dennis always firmly knew which restaurant he wanted. He will be greatly missed.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Helen and Clifford Kinyon, his brothers Bill and Ronald Kinyon, and his sister Betty Meredith. He is survived by his stepdaughters, Jennifer (Tony) Greenlee of Mishawaka, Cathy Schrock of Osceola, his grandsons, Nick (Amanda) Greenlee and Robert (Shauna) Schrock, both of Mishawaka, his great-granddaughter, Annie Greenlee, his brother-in-law Larry (Cindy) of Abermarle, NC, his sister-in-law Vivian Kinyon, and several Kinyon nieces and nephews.

Per Dennis’s request he has been cremated and there will be no formal services. Memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County or the American Cancer Society.