Roger Kinney

Roger Walter Kinney
January 30, 1931 – October 12, 2025
Roger Walter Kinney, a lifelong resident of Bellevue, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on October 12, 2025, at the age of 94.
Born on January 30, 1931, to Will Carleton and Dorothy Greenslade Kinney, Roger was raised in a family grounded in hard work, faith, and community. He attended Thompson School and graduated before proudly serving in the Korean War, where he was stationed in Japan. After completing basic training, Roger returned home briefly to marry the love of his life, Joyce May Kautzman, on December 17, 1954. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared purpose, celebrating 70 wonderful years of marriage in 2024.
Roger was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Bellevue, where he met Joyce as a young man. His faith was the foundation of his life. Every Sunday, he could be found sitting in the front of the church-usually after completing his ushering duties-and many weeknights were spent at church committee meetings. His quiet commitment to service reflected his deep devotion to both his church family and his faith.
In his early years, Roger worked on the railroad before founding his own business, Kinney Electric, which became well-known throughout the area for its reliability and Roger's personal touch. He spent his life "fixing things"-not just wires and motors, but also helping people in need. Whether he was riding a snowmobile through a blizzard to help a farmer get his milker working or quietly "forgetting" to send a bill to someone who couldn't afford a repair, Roger embodied the true spirit of generosity and service.
Roger was also deeply involved in the Lyme Village Historical Society, where he served several terms as President. His love of local history and craftsmanship reflected his dedication to preserving the stories of those who came before him.
He had a lifelong love of the land and a deep appreciation for the importance of farming and caring for nature. Roger transitioned a portion of his property into a conservation area, taking pride in knowing that from every window of his home, he could see open fields and trees rather than houses.
In his later years, Roger developed a delightful new tradition-pie and ice cream for breakfast. Joyce made the best pies, and he relished every bite. Known for his sense of humor, warmth, and ability to make friends anywhere-whether digging a ditch or pausing for a chat-Roger built lasting friendships through simple acts of kindness and genuine connection.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Will Carleton and Dorothy Greenslade Kinney, and his siblings, Will Carleton Jr. (Carl), Esther Gertrude (Trudi), and Mary Elizabeth.
Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce, and their three daughters:
• Carol Kinney (George Ludovici) of Bronx, New York
• Joan Fletcher (Tom Wells) of Hallieford, Virginia
• Dorothy (Dee) Kinney (Jeff Detmer) of Perrysburg, Ohio
He was a proud grandfather to five grandsons: Benjamin Fletcher (Brooklyn, NY), Jeremy Weinstein (Manhattan, NY), Scott Fletcher (Barcelona, Spain), Gabriel Weinstein (Brooklyn, NY), and Jackson Detmer (Oberlin, OH). Roger made it a priority to attend the events that mattered most to his grandsons, no matter how far he had to travel.
Roger will be deeply missed by his family, who relied on his strength and steadfastness throughout their lives, and by dear family friends Kevin and Jenny Oney, and Chuck Stein and Anne Shelley, who brought great joy and support to Roger and Joyce over the years.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many friends who have shared cards, pies, and countless acts of kindness in recent years. As they reflect on Roger's life, they are reminded that there is no greater reward than the gift of true friendship-and Roger and Joyce have been blessed with many.
Services will be held at Auxter-Recker Funeral Home, 1105 Castalia Street, Bellevue, Ohio. Visitation will take place from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, followed immediately by a funeral service. The family will hold a private burial at Bellevue Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts given in Roger's name be directed to the Lyme Village Historical Society, in honor of his lifelong dedication to the community and its history.