Rich Kinney

Charles Richard “Rich” Kinney, II, 59, of West Union, IL, passed away on August 25, 2025. He was born on March 26, 1966, in Robinson, IL, where he grew up and attended high school. In 1984, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. Following his service, he worked in many different roles over the years. At the tail end of his career, he worked on a barge out of St. Louis with Dresser-Rand.

No matter where life took him, Rich never lost his connection to the outdoors. From the time he was a boy, he loved to fish at any pond, creek, or river he could find. He also enjoyed the freedom of riding his 4-wheeler and always had dogs by his side. He was devoted to his pets and carried a general fondness for all animals. Away from the outdoors, he followed the world of NASCAR closely and was a loyal Dale Earnhardt, Sr. fan.

Those closest to Rich will remember that he was a mix of many things. He was a good guy most of the time, though sometimes he could be difficult. He was fun-loving and could keep things light, but he also had a knack for stirring up an argument now and then. He carried a combination of grit and playfulness, and in the end, he was his own man, living life his way.

He is survived by his brothers, Jay Edgar Kinney & Tracey Ferguson of Flat Rock, IL, and Ted L. & Brittany Kinney of Flat Rock, IL; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Richard “Butch” Kinney and Sandra “Sandy” (Vaughn) Keller; by his brother, Bradley Lyman “Mouse” Kinney; and by his grandparents, Lyman and Essie Kinney.

Rich is to be cremated without a public service. The Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union is assisting the family with these arrangements.