Memorial for Kenneth Raburn Hinson, Retired Olivette Firefighter

Kenneth Raburn Hinson of St. Clair, Mo., died Thursday, at the age of 81.

He served in the Olivette Fire Department for 27 years before retiring in 1992.  

Hinson is survived by his wife, Stella Hinson; his seven children, Beverly Snyder, Jackie Kitson, Lisa Fisher, Doug Hinson, Christina Alfermann, Bill Hinson and Jennifer Erbes; four brothers, Donald Hinson, Neil Hinson, Robert Hinson and Bernard Hinson; one sister, Betty Mae Davis; two foster borthes, Howard Sanders and John Briscoe; and nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Ethel Hinson; by one daughter, Susan Jane Hinson; and by three brothers, Fred Hinson, Connie Hinson and Floyd “Junior” Hinson.

Hinson was a devoted Christian and active member and Deacon of First Baptist Church in St. Clair. He lived a Christian life and has shared his faith with many, who in turn came to know the Lord. The youth of the church knew him as the “Tootsie Roll Grandpa” as he gave all the kids tootsie rolls when they arrived at church.

Hinson was a fireman by trade and retired from Olivette Fire Protection District as a Captain, after twenty-seven years of service. He also worked in the service department of Frank Reed RV Center in St. Clair, MO.    

A devoted and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, foster brother, uncle, great and great-great-uncle, cousin and friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation was held Sunday at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair with Masonic services at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today at the First Baptist Church in St. Clair with the Reverends Cliff Day and Dickie Hinson officiating. Interment, with full military honors, will be in Prospect Cemetery, Lonedell, Mo.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Hinson's complete obituary can be viewed online.