Robert Kinman

Robert A. Kinman, 78, of Las Cruces, entered eternal life Sunday, May 3, 2015, at home surrounded by his family. Bob, as everyone knew him, was born Oct. 29, 1936, in Oakland City, Indiana to Cecil and Ruth Kinman. Bob served in the United States Army for 27 years where he retired as a first sergeant with the Military Police. During that time he was recognized for his significant contribution to the successful mission of the space shuttle Columbia in April 1981. In addition to receiving numerous awards, he received the Meritorious Service Medal for his military service. Upon his military retirement he then worked as a civilian for the Department of the Army, Inspector General's Office at White Sand Missile Range as an IG investigator for 16 years. He received the Commander's Award for Civilian Service. He was very active in the Free Mason and was involved in Scottish Rite, York Rite, Blue Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star and Shrine Club. Bob's involvement in other organizations included the Disabled American Veterans, Genealogical Society, and Lion's Club in La Mesa, where he received the "President's Award" for exceptional leadership and devotion.

In his younger years, his love of sports lead him to follow his children all over the state to watch them either play softball or run track. There were many times he would leave early in the morning to follow his daughter to a track meet and rest his eyes by pulling over on the side of the road then continue on to her meet. We always knew when dad was there because he had the distinct whistle. All was good at that time. Bob loved softball so much he became an umpire. During that time he would have to umpire games where his wife and girls would be playing. We can recall a time when his wife was playing and he was the umpire. The bet was that he would be sleeping on the couch if he struck out his wife and that was the joke that plagued him that whole summer. But the proudest moment in Bob's life was when his daughters won the Fast Pitch Softball Championship title in Germany, Anne pitching and Donna catching. Bob walked around for weeks bragging to everyone that those were his daughters and this carried on many years after.

When his health prompt him to stay home, his favorite thing to do was put together a good puzzle. We would all come over to see him and sit around in his room talking laughing and working on the puzzle. Even though he loved to complete the puzzle on his own, he never said a word, he just smiled and enjoyed the family being together. Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father, Cecil and Ruth Kinman, and son, Samuel J. Scroggins, Jr.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Edith "Yolie" Kinman, his children Edda-Liss Scroggins, Donna (Matt) Harris, Anne (Eric) Blackburn, grandchildren Zachariah (Jennifer), Matthew Jr, Christopher, Lindsay, and Danielle; seven great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2015, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1327 N. Miranda St., with Monsignor John E. Anderson officiating. Military honors will be accorded by a New Mexico Army National Guard Honor Guard and the Marine Corps League - El Perro Diablo Detachment.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice or the Disabled Veterans Transportation Organizations.
The family would like to thank the staff at Mountain View Regional Medical Center, Mesilla Valley Hospice, and a special person, Dr. Wash for the care of their father and husband.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road 527-2222. Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care". For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com