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Keith Kinney
- Published: June 30, 2021
Keith Erin Kinney passed away on June 25, 2021, at his beloved studio/barn in Yellow Springs. Keith was born on Sept. 18, 1944, in Springfield, Ohio, the middle son of Robert and Marjol Kinney.
Keith always lived life his way. A natural athlete in high school, he went to Powell Community College in Cody, Wyo., on a basketball scholarship. After one year, he decided to sign a professional baseball contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on their farm team, the Miami Marlins. Keith pitched in the league for three years. Although he threw out his pitching arm, he was able to narrowly escape the draft and Vietnam due to the injury. He returned to Ohio and eventually found his way back to Yellow Springs, where his dad’s family had lived.
Keith and his wife, Linda, began working in the arts and crafts world in the 1970s. When Keith had a horrific motorcycle accident in 1990, he refused to live on disability and began working as a wood artisan, which continued for the next 30 years.
The ’90s also saw Keith’s next sports activity, which he called “competitive driving.” Many of his friends chose not to get into any vehicle with Keith — or closed their eyes and hoped for the best.
Keith was the eternal optimist and, remarkably, seemed to make the impossible happen on more than one occasion. He was happiest when “working on a plan.” Keith didn’t have to complete a plan, but he always had to have a plan.
He also enjoyed shooting pool in his studio with his buddies or spending time with his family.
While his younger brother, Daryl, preceded Keith in death, Keith is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Stacy (Brett Delaney); son, Drue (Melissa); grandson, Cory Daniel; granddaughters, Gabrielle, Paige and Skylar Kinney; and brother, Michael Kinney.
A celebration of life ceremony will be planned for a future date.
3 Responses to “Keith Kinney”
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Oh my, just now see news of Keith’s passing. My heart is heavy as he was such a super guy fun, loved attending his games, whichever sport he participated in. First love, in HS.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to Linda, and his family.
Oh man, what horrible news. Elizabeth and I stopped by to see Keith and Linda about 2 years ago at the Maples reunion. We killed some beer and traded stories. We’ve known each other since the, what, late 70’s? Great motto for his life, always working on a plan. We’ll hoist one to you, Keith.
This obituary captures so well Keith’s indomitable spirit. Time and again he came back from impossible odds to persevere. He really was the comeback kid. We will miss his upbeat, unique presence and send our condolences to his dear wife and family.