The Rev. Kent Ward Kinney

The Reverend Kent Ward Kinney, age 92, a 33-year resident of Lake Bluff, Illinois passed away peacefully at home on December 6, 2022. He was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, the son of Dana and Isabelle Kinney. After high school he served in the United States Army during the Korean War. After his time in the service, he attended and graduated from UCLA, and went on to attend Princeton Theological Seminary, where his journey in church ministry began. Kent married Carolyn Rae Peterson on October 17, 1959 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hollywood, California. He was first called to Faith Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, Maryland, followed by a two-year faculty position at Princeton. Holland, Pennsylvania was the next stop where he founded the Northampton Presbyterian Church, followed by seven years at the Clinton Presbyterian Church in Clinton, New Jersey. Rev. Kinney and his family then headed west, landing in Missoula, Montana where he served the First Presbyterian Church for many years, making lasting memories and friendships. After leaving Montana the family moved to Lake Bluff, Illinois where Rev. Kinney would become a fixture at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, even retiring a few times! Rev. Kinney was dedicated to his ministry to serve Christ in the church and cherished his later years visiting people in nursing homes and hospitals. He remained active with yard work, reading, hiking, and exercising and most importantly, ministering with love, patience, and kindness to anyone in need. With an enduring sensitivity to those who may have been overlooked by others, he would see their unique needs and personality characteristics and appreciate them. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and capturing many special memories during overseas travels with the First Presbyterian Church Choir. As a veteran, he never lost his sincere love his for his country and for his fellow veterans. A proud member of the American Legion, he was honored to participate in veteran’s ceremonies for decades after his active duty. Modest and measured, no one could forget his quick wit and knack for well-placed one-liners, which made him a special part of any gathering. Beloved husband of 63 years to Carolyn Rae Kinney; loved father of Matthew Ward (Yukiko), Jon Dana (Judit), and Rae Anne (Daniel) Alvarez; and cherished grandfather of Lili Mae, Julian, Marcus, Anna Marie, and Stella Kinney, Maria Elena, Adam, and Luke Alvarez. A Memorial Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, 700 N. Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, IL at 3pm, Sunday, January 22, 2023. The service will be live-streamed at https://firstchurchlf.online.church/. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rev. Kent Ward Kinney’s name may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, 700 N. Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045. For information – Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest, 847-234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com.

The Rev. Kent Ward Kinney

March 1, 1930 - December 6, 2022