Brian James Kinder

Brian James Kinder, born April 24th, 1973 of Mexico, MO joined the choir invisible on October 23rd, 2024 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, at the age of 51. Brian is survived by his daughter, Bailey Johnson; granddaughter, Opal Dunkerson; brother, Scott (Samantha) Kinder; uncles, David (Tonja) Kinder, Jim (Angie) Kinder; aunts, Bevery Kinder, Hazel Kinder, Kathy (Lewis) Brooks, Debbie (Steve) Jones; many cousins, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Patti (Noel) Kinder; maternal grandparents, Dick and Jane (Bishop) Noel; paternal grandparents Reverend Roy and Anna (Livengood) Kinder; and uncle, Steve Kinder. Brian was a graduate of Smith-Cotton High School, Class of 1991, where he excelled academically. He was a dedicated EMT, then paramedic for over 20 years combined, including working in Audrain County, MO and Callaway County, MO, where he worked from 1999-2012, and was a supervisor at the time he left. He worked as a paramedic in Reno, NV from 2012-2017, where he also trained new paramedics. His friends in the field have described Brian's skills, knowledge, and compassion for his patients as exemplary. Prior to his career as a paramedic, Brian was a skilled machinist, and he returned to this profession upon his retirement from the medical field. Brian's first love was the guitar, which he taught himself to play at the age of 9. He also played keyboard and was a wonderful singer. He loved entertaining people with his songs, and listening to music. Another favorite pastime of Brian's was spending time outdoors; camping, kayaking and fishing on rivers and lakes, or hiking in the woods and mountains. He enjoyed shooting guns and barbecuing. He regularly attended Tuesday night cards, playing Pitch with his brother, friends, and father when he was alive. He loved cats and almost always had a feline friend in the home. He often took spontaneous trips with friends. Above all, he loved his people, and wanted to share his passions with his family and friends. Brian had the ability to make friends anywhere he went, and could make people laugh until they cried. He went out of his way to be there for his loved ones when they needed him. He was a proud and compassionate father and grandfather, a true friend, the life of the party, and will be sorely missed. A celebration of life event is scheduled for November 23rd, 2024 at 5pm at Kent Henry's property, 20955 Hwy 22 Mexico, MO.