Gary L. Kinninger

Gary Lee Kinninger, 75, of Sidney, Ohio, was called home to heaven on Sunday July 3, 2022 at Ayden Health of Piqua. He was born on July 6, 1946 in Sidney, Ohio, to the late Bernard and Rose Mary (George) Kinninger. He is survived by his beautiful bride Barbara Ann (Smith) of Sidney, Ohio, she resides at their farm in Sidney.

Together they raised 3 children which all survive, Molly M. Wendel (Jody) of Celina, Ohio; Carrie L. Kinninger-Stott of New Carlisle, Ohio; Jay E. Kinninger (Tracy Douglas) of Sidney, Ohio, and nine grandchildren Madison, Tanner and Braxton Wendel of Celina, William and Claire Stott of New Carlisle, Alexis, Isabella, Jace and Jaydon Kinninger of Sidney Ohio. Gary is also survived by four brothers Tom Kinninger of Sidney, Dan (Joyce)Kinninger of Findlay, Dave (Mary) Kinninger of Troy, John Kinninger of Sidney and three sisters Carol (Guy) Bowser, Pam (Russ) Stewart and Darlene (Matt) Clayton all of Sidney, in-laws:  Robert (Ann) Smith, Peggy Smith of Logan County and Carol Smith of Hamilton, Ohio. Gary is also survived by NUMEROUS of nieces and nephews in which he enjoyed. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Sister Kay (Dave) Pope and sister in law Karen Kinninger, in-laws: Herman and Ruth (McCoy) Smith, Franklin and Pat, Gene, Nevin, Joe and Naomi Smith, and Sarah Mae (Robert) Miller. 

Gary was a 1964 graduate of Fairlawn High School. Gary proudly served 33.5 years with the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve, retiring from Warner Robbins and Wright Patterson Air Force Base in 1998. He was also involved in the Air Force Reserves member of the DAV, American Legion and VFW. He worked 27 years at Airstream where he retired. He created a lot of great friendships through USAF and Airstream. Gary also enjoyed woodworking, attending auctions and collecting “stuff”.  He, along with his wife, attended countless flea markets, auctions and Swap meets.  It was at those places he received the name “Gander Gary.” He was welcomed by so many while attending each swap meet! It was one of Gary’s greatest joys, to see others so happy about poultry and to hold great conversations. 

Gary was a very active man for his family, military and Shelby County 4-H. 
Gary along with his wife owned and operated Kinninger’s Goose Farm. Gary began his poultry journey as a student at Fairlawn School, as a school project. He and his brother Tom already had a pork producing venture, but it was the poultry industry that kept Gary’s attention. Gary utilized his brothers and sisters, giving many of them their first jobs collecting, washing and sorting eggs from his flock of geese. Raising and selling geese was not a popular type of farm in rural Shelby and connecting counties, however Mr. Kinninger would carry it on for his entire life until 2 months upon his death. 
 
His passion for poultry and 4H programs carried over to his children where with the 3 of them and the dedication of his wife, began the process of the sale and growing numbers of poultry at the Shelby County Fair. He and Barbara were advisors of the Hare Raisers 4H Club for over 10 years. Gary was a very unique man who kept a very unique place. Kinninger’s Goose Farm will forever be a colorful staple of the Sidney Community. It was Gary’s purpose to grow others knowledge that he found once himself.  

The Kinninger family would like to deeply thank Gary’s caregivers and family who dedicated their time and love to him the last years of his life, especially Brandy, Crystal, Angel and Tia. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Holy Angels Catholic Church with Fr. Aaron Hess. Interment will follow at Cedar Point Cemetery, Pasco, with military honors. Friends may call at Salm-McGill and Tangeman Funeral Home in Sidney on Friday, July 15, 2022 from 4-8 PM and Saturday from 9-10 AM. Online condolences may be left for the Kinninger family at www.salm-mcgillandtangemanfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s foundations. Salm-McGill and Tangeman Funeral Home is honored to be taking care of the Kinninger family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary L. Kinninger, please visit our floral store.