Charles Delmer “Gramps” Kinder, 82 of Peytona, Boone County went to be with the Lord after a long illness on June 11th, 2013 while at the Hubbard Hospice House in the presence of his loving family.
Delmer was a US Army veteran having served at a forward ammo point during the Korean War. He was employed by the Libby Owens Glass Plant. He soon after began his life as a “rail-roader” with the New York Central and Penn Central railroads. “Boone Boy”, as he was known by his fellow railroaders, later retired as a brakeman/conductor from Conrail.
Although he wore many different hats throughout his life; his true passions were his faith, his family, his gardens and the outdoors. A proud minister with the Church of Christ, Delmer attended the churches at Easley/Nellis, Drawdy and Peytona. Delmer and the love of his life Shirley, his wife of 61 years had four girls. Although at times he called each of them son, he was never more proud than when talking about what he called his winning hand of “Four Queens”. He was always very excited when spring rolled around as he knew he would soon be turning dirt and planting seeds. Not only was the taste of the produce important for “Gramps'” garden, but it had to be pretty and nearly perfect. This was evidenced by being named Boone County Gardener of the Year. The labor and dedication he used to grow his garden was only surpassed by his love and joy of giving his harvest away to family friends and sometimes complete strangers. An avid outdoors-man, there was nothing like the first morning hunt of deer season or the thrill of landing a big catfish from the Big Coal River or Indian Lake. What made him truly a great man was his willingness to share with and educate anyone about any one of his passions or hobbies and he never expected anything in return.
Delmer was preceded in death by his parents Hallie and Lula Kinder and brothers Carl, Claude “Buster”, Bob and Billy Ray. He is survived by his wife, the former Shirley Ann Clendenin, his daughters Vickie Ann and husband Charles McDerment of Indianapolis, IN, Pamela Jane and husband Ernie Taylor of Cabin Creek, Brenda Sue and husband Ernie Larzo of Ashford and Billie Jo and husband Archie Hubbard of Peytona. He has nine grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister Mary Jane Brown of Florida and brother Frank of Kanawha City. Delmer is sadly missed by “his little buddy”, poodle “B-B”. Visitation will be at the Peytona Church of Christ on Friday June 14th beginning at 12:30 to 2 pm with services following immediately with Minister John Duty officiating. Graveside Military Honors will be provided by Boone County VFW Daniel Boone Post 5578. Handley Funeral Home is in charge of services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Delmer's name to the Hubbard Hospice House, 1001 Kennawa Dr., Charleston, WV 25311.