ERNEST LEVON KINNEY

Ernest Levon Kinney was born in Paoli, OK, on November 6, 1924, to Roy and Geneva (Whitaker) Kinney. He went home to his Lord on Monday, November 14, 2016. He was 92. Ernie grew up in Oklahoma. He joined the United States Marine Corps in1943. He married his high school sweet heart, Mary Halverson. When World War II ended, he enrolled at Oklahoma A&M, graduated in 1949, and began a career of teaching and coaching. In 1953, Ernie and his family moved to Cantua Creek, CA, where he taught and coached, and became Superintendent and Principal of the district. During this time, Ernie and Mary divorced. In 1973, Ernie married Lani Floratos, his soulmate. Upon retirement, Ernie embarked on two of his passions. One was golf. He created a group of senior golfers, the "Seagulls" and a Senior Travel League. Another great passion was square dancing. He became chairman of the International Callerlab. Ernie owned Hi Hat Records and produced records for square dance callers. He also had a group, the Hi Hat Pioneers, that recorded western music. One of his high points was his role in the movie "Son in Law". In his last years, he was the oldest active square dance caller in the world. Ernie is survived by his wife Lani; her children and families; his children, daughter, Diane Hanneman, son, Ron Kinney and wife Marlene, son, Ricci Kinney and wife Robin; and his sister, Sue Flanagan and husband Mike. He is a grandfather of seven; and great-grandfather of 11. A Memorial Service will be held at God's Family Church, 7272 W. Shaw, Fresno, CA 93703, on Saturday, December 3, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to God's Family Church.