Daniel Robert Kinnaird, age 20, Nixa, Mo., formerly of Davenport, Iowa, and Port Orange, Fla., passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2009, in Cox South Hospital. He was born February 27, 1989, in Miami, Fla. He attended Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange, Fla., and graduated in 2007. Daniel was hospitalized Tuesday, November 3, 2009, after being struck by a drunk driver. He fought hard for nearly a week, surrounded by family and friends, but his injuries were too severe. Daniel was a lover of life, easy going, loved trying new things and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He had just moved to the area in July, but he quickly captured everyone's heart with his caring attitude and contagious smile. Daniel was an organ donor, we hope that his life will live on through others. He enjoyed drawing, playing video games, listening to music, being at the lake with his family, and spending time with his girlfriend, Catherine Ellis, of Springfield, Mo. He worked at Nixa Price Cutter and was looking forward to starting at OTC in the spring. He is survived by his father, Shawn and Kim Gaisford- Kinnaird of Nixa, Mo.; mother Antionette "Toni" Lambert of South Daytona, Fla.; paternal grandfather Jefferson Kinnaird of Davenport, Iowa; paternal grandmother, Karen Kinnaird of London, England; maternal grandparents, Glenn and Virginia Gindlesperger; grandparents, Jim and JoAnn Lee of Ozark, Mo.; brother Michael Brehm and wife, Trisha and their daughter, Nicole, all of Jerome, Pa.; brothers, Eric Gaisford and his wife, Kimberly of Ozark, Mo., and Joel Gaisford and his wife, Ashley of Springfield, Mo.; sister Jordan Gaisford of Springfield, Mo.; aunts, Tracey and her husband, David Sheets of Ozark, Mo., and Melissa Hayes of Mt. Pulaski, Ill.; and cousins, Stephanie, Amanda and Michael Sheets, and Morgan, Trevor, and Cassandra Hayes. The family would like to thank the ER and NTICU -Doctors and Nurses at Cox South, especially Vickie and Jennifer, for their hope, support, and care they gave Daniel and his family. We will not soon forget you. Also to the waiting room families - we feel blessed to have met you - to everyone thank you for your numerous prayers, support, and love. Visitation services will be held Saturday, November 14, 2009, from 3 to 4 p.m., Ridgecrest Baptist Church, in the Fellowship Center. Memorial celebration will begin at 4 p.m., with Pastor Andy Thornton officiating and under the direction of Meadors Funeral Home, Republic, Mo. Casual dress is requested. The family has requested in lieu of flowers, please make donations to The local chapter of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). Online condolences may be made at
www.meadorsfuneralhome.com.
Published by News-Leader on Nov. 13, 2009.