09/09/2024
DONALD RAY KINDER
July 15, 1930 - September 5, 2024
Donald Ray Kinder, age 94, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Don was born on July 15, 1930 in Flint Michigan to Raymond and Rebecca Kinder.
From an early age, Don was active, athletic and enjoyed playing sports, especially basketball. He also played the trombone in High School band and loved music.
After graduation Don took a job in a local printing company and before long he worked in 2 others as well. He decided he was well suited to be a printer.
He married his high-school sweetheart Martha Estes after they graduated. He was then drafted to serve in the military as a Marine and was stationed at Paris Island Marine Corp base in South Carolina where he played trombone in the Marine band. After boot camp he stayed at Paris Island to play in the band for all the officers parties and social events.
After his discharge in 1953, they both returned to Flint, Michigan, and in 1954 their son David was born. After working at Burton Printing for a while he and his friend Donald Manges bought Burton Printing where he worked throughout his life.
He was such a great loving person and he seemed to touch everyone he came in contact with in his life. He will always be loved. He will always be missed. He was a Great Husband, Father, and he cared deeply for his community.
He was a gifted musician and bandleader for numerous groups, including 10 years on Channel 12 with a show called, The Michigan Polka Party. He started and led the band, “The Bold and Brassy”, ran the Flint Musicians Union, was president of the Flint Lions Club, and was committed to the Marines and to the Masons.
We are having visitation for him on this Thursday, the 12th, at Hill Funeral Home from 4:00 to 8:00. The service for Don will also be at Hill Funeral Home on Friday, the 13th, at 12:00 noon. After the service we will be taking him out to The National Military Cemetery for burial where he will receive a fitting Marine sendoff. Following the burial we are having a gathering and luncheon at Brick Street Restaurant on Grand Blanc Road in Grand Blanc, MI. Please call if you need any information. 810-742-3210.
Please come and help us say goodbye to one of the greatest people who ever lived.
He is survived by Martha, his wife, Dave Kinder his son, and Judy, Dave’s wife.
Dave now owns and operates Burton Digital, and says that the doors will always be open to anyone who wants to stop by and share stories of Don.
Thank You All for your kindness,
Martha, Judy & Dave
