Stephen M. Kinney

Stephen Kinney, 90, of Union, MO formerly of Des Peres, MO, passed away on July 30, 2025. Stephen was the son of the late John Kinney and his wife Imogene. He was born on September 29, 1934. Stephen was a Captain in the United States Air Force, and a PhD chemist. He received his education from Ohio University and St. Louis University. 

Stephen is proceeded in death by his wife, Beverly, his parents, his brother Jack, and by his son in law, Brendan Boyce, and his daughter in law, Nancy Kinney.

Lovingly known as Denny, he is survived by his two children, Stephanie Boyce of Union, Jeff Kinney of Middletown, MO, and three grandchildren, Jessica Boyce of St. Louis, Adam Kinney and his wife Carmen of St. Peters, and Emily Byers and her husband Nick of Marthasville, MO. He has two great-grandchildren, Penelope and Brendan Byers.  He is also survived by siblings Gatha Waters and her husband Frank, as well as other relatives and friends.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, as a brilliant scientist who loved to share his knowledge and experience, and a good friend who always made sure to stay in touch with those he cared about. He loved to travel, smoking his corn cob pipes from Missouri Meerschaum, going out to lunch with his daughter, and watching NASCAR races with his son. He was an avid fisherman who got to fish the world over, from New Zealand to Juneau, Alaska, and while he was home he enjoyed Sudoku and getting subjected to fashion shows by his granddaughters.

Stephen was a generous man, and loved to help his family. Whether that meant building “The Box”, a fully carpeted play set for his grandchildren, helping his granddaughter through Chemistry classes at Mizzou, gifting a car to his granddaughter, and then later his grandson, or getting a caregiver for his son-in-law, “Denny” was always ready and willing to do what he could for his family. He will be missed by so many. Memorial services will be held at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller in Washington, MO 63090 on August 11, 2025 from 5-6 p.m.

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