Age 93 years and 9 months of age, sadly passed away on February 23, 2025, after a life richly lived in service and kindness. Don was most known for serving as the Director of the Guidance Department at Mehlville High School for many years, where he touched countless lives. He loved fishing and gardening and took great joy in sharing the fruits of his labor. A big fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Don always enjoyed watching the games from the comfort of his recliner with snacks close at hand. He was a remarkable husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be greatly missed.
Don is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Nancy Kinsey (nee Davis); daughters Mignon (Thomas) Gannam and Kristen Kinsey; grandchildren Tim (Michelle) Streeter, Justin Been, Megan Dirsa, Zira (Rebecca) Gannam, and Caitlan Gannam; and great-grandchildren Mason and Mahaley Streeter, and Christian, Cooper, and Annie Dirsa.
Don was born and raised in Bolivar, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ord A. Kinsey and Anna Mae Kinsey (nee Pilcher), and his siblings: Woodrow (Ernestine) Kinsey, Tom (Lee) Kinsey, Max (Sue) Kinsey, and one sister, Virginia May.
Don proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. After his service, he earned his Master’s degree plus 45 hours in guidance and education from the University of Missouri.
The visitation will be held at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63129, on Saturday, March 29, from 9 – 11 a.m. A service celebrating his life will follow at 11 a.m. Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery will take place on Monday, March 31, at 9:30 a.m., with those attending meeting at Kutis Funeral Home at 9:00 a.m. to proceed to the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Woodlands of Arnold for their exceptional care of Don during the last four years of his life.
Mr. Kinsey was my guidance counselor 1964-68. He was always willing to listen and offer advice. Rest in Peace kind sir!
Sending condolences to his family.
I remember Mr Kinsey from my days of high school it seems forever ago.
Rest in heavenly peace sir.
My sincerest condolences and prayers go out to his daughter Mignon and his family. He was wonderful man, I’ll always remember him as the nicest principal I ever had. R.I.P Mr Kinsey
🙏🙏🙏
Prayers To The Entire Family 🙏🙏🙏😘
Yes, I remember him as a counselor at Mehlville HS while I was a student there between 1959 and 1963 when I graduated and went into the Air Force.
I’ll always remember Don, and his wonderful family! Word’s cannot describe how I was so blessed to meet him and his beautiful family! He was a wonderful man!
Nancy,
Just heard of Don’s passing. So very sorry for your loss. Have fond memories of my years working with Don.
Sincerely,
Rich Hantak