A memorial service celebrating the life of Lawrence D. Kinder, 94, of Clarkesville, will be held Friday, Nov. 29, at the Grant-Reeves VFW Post 7720, 423 VFW Post Road, Cornelia, GA 30531 at 2 p.m. followed by a private burial.
Mr. Kinder died Nov.13, 2019.
Born July 30, 1925, in Rantoul, Kansas, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James N. Kinder, and was the youngest of 14 children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Mrs. Ruby Estes, Walter Kinder, Raymond Kinder, Mrs. V.A. Nelton, Clarence Kinder, Mrs. H.E. McElroy, Floyd Kinder, Mrs. Blanche Jeffries, Orville Kinder, Mrs. Bernice Stalons, Marion Kinder and James N. Kinder Jr.
He married Carrie Elinor Simmons, Sept. 19, 1947. Larry served in the Army as a Sergeant Forward Observer in a Howitzer Combat Battalion in World War II and in the Air Force during the Korean War as a 1st Lieutenant Group Intelligence Officer with the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing. In 1946, Kinder competed in the Pacific Army Olympics in Manila, Philippines, winning gold medals in track and field.
After serving his country, he began his own successful business as a concrete contractor in Topeka, Kanas. He enjoyed ballroom dancing, fishing, gardening, golf and was an avid sports fan. He also enjoyed teaching children's Sunday school at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Topeka.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Carrie Elinor Kinder of Clarkesville; his daughter, Sheryl Lynn Franklin of Gainesville; his brother, Warren G. Kinder of Topeka, Kansas, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry's memory may be made to Habersham County Veterans Wall of Honor, P.O. Box 298, Demorest, GA, 30535.