Joel R. Kinder Sr.

Joel R. Kinder Sr., 83, of Sullivan, Missouri passed away peacefully on Monday, January 24, 2022.

Joel Richard Kinder Sr. was born on March 7, 1938 in Saint Louis, Missouri to William and Alyce (Cox) Kinder. He grew up and attended grade school in Saint Louis until relocating to Sullivan to finish and graduate high school.

Soon after his graduation he was united in marriage to Jeannette Siess on December 12, 1960. To this union they were blessed with three children: Colleen, Joel and Diana. Together they continued to raise their children in Sullivan while managing the local KFC for 10+ years. Joel then went to work for Stack Hauling for some time before becoming a Pilot Car driver for Can-Am. Joel was able to travel all over the U.S. working for Can-Am.

In his free time, Joel enjoyed playing poker, fixing cars, and drawing. He was also a professional bowler and was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame in Saint Louis. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by many.

Joel in survived by his son, Joel Kinder Jr. and wife Sharla, of Sullivan, MO; a daughter Diana O’Leary and husband Glen of Sullivan, MO; eight grandchildren: Sharri West and husband Joe, Will Kinder and wife Shyla, Jake Kinder and wife Amy, Kristin Turlington, John Turlington, Amy Gibson and husband Dan, Andrew Brendel, Adam Schaeffer and wife Sandy, and Daniel Schaeffer; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Judy Gilhaus of San Bernardino, CA; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeannette; a daughter, Colleen Schaeffer; his parents; a brother, Donnie Kinder; and a sister, Colleen Scott.

Arrangements for cremation have taken place.

A Celebration of Life was from 2 – 4 p.m., Sunday, February 6, 2022 at the Eagles Lanes in Sullivan.

Friends may send their online condolences to Joel’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.