Fred Thomas Kinch, 81, Claypool, passed away on June 24, 2023, at Timbercrest Healthcare Center in North Manchester. Born in Warsaw on Valentine’s Day in 1942, Fred was the son of the late Nicholas Martin and Ann Alberta (Rutledge) Kinch.
Fred went to farrier school in Macomb, Illinois, and he showed horses throughout his life. He also installed floors in silos at Tri-State Harvester, worked at W&W Truck Sales, started his own business selling semis, and eventually retired from Par-Kan Company, where he was employed in sales. After retiring, Fred and his son started Horseshoe Hill Leather, Inc.
On July 9, 1967, Fred married the love of his life, Susan Parker. The two were wed at Spring Creek Church, where they both attended before its closing. They were blessed with two children, Joseph and Belinda, and two grandchildren, Riley and Addison. While their children were young, Fred and Susan began their own business together frying fish, Jonah Style. Throughout Fred’s many adventures his love for his family remained steadfast, and he always supported his children in their various activities. From livestock to baseball, Fred always wanted to help his kids be successful and happy.
A jokester at heart, Fred had the uncanny ability to tell stories and make people laugh. He delighted in time spent outside, whether it was gardening, shoeing horses, or working around his property. He took fishing trips to Canada with his friends and went snowmobiling with his family. When Fred was inside, he enjoyed watching old westerns and playing euchre with family and friends. Fred was also proud of his membership in the Masonic Lodge.
The loving memory of Fred Thomas Kinch will be forever cherished by his wife of nearly fifty-six years, Susan Kinch, Claypool; son, Joseph (Karen Royer) Kinch, Claypool; daughter, Belinda (Gary) Shepherd, Owasso, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Riley Thomas Shepherd and Addison Nicole Shepherd; and brother, Louis Gene (Shirley) Kinch, North Manchester. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Joseph C. Farrara, Anthony L. Farrara, and John E. Kinch.
Family and friends may call Tuesday, June 27, 2023, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. A Masonic Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with calling beginning one hour prior. Clem Metzger will officiate. Burial will be held at Spring Creek Cemetery, 8220 South 700 East, Pierceton, Indiana.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Fred Kinch, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607.
The family of Fred Kinch has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.