Carl "Marty" Kinney

Carl Martin Kinney, “Marty”, a beloved husband, father, member of St. Eugenes Catholic church, friend to all and stranger to none, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 87 years old.

Marty was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Carl Kinney and Marie (Kelson) Kinney on April 23, 1936 and named Marty by his sister on the way home from the hospital. He spent his childhood in Kansas City and Wichita, graduating from Wichita High School where he enjoyed playing high school football. He went on to graduate from Wichita State University and then joined the Kansas National Guard 137^th Infantry. During that time, Marty met and married Judy Groner in 1959. They were very involved with the Catholic church and the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). They adopted two sons, Carl Eugene (Gene) and William Joseph (Bill). As the boys grew Marty was very involved in coaching Gene and Bill in youth baseball and football. He never once missed a game. Marty and Judy raised their family and were married for 42 years. He lost Judy to cancer in 2001. Marty met Sue Simmons and they were married on May 24, 2003. He gained another son, Sean Simmons and two daughters, Teri (Mathis) and Carla (Kutsche), and he and Sue lived in Edmond for the past 21 years. Marty and Sue enjoyed spending time with their friends and enjoyed special birthday dinners to celebrate.

After growing up with a father in the printing industry, Marty excelled in his 30+ year sales career in the paper industry. His hard work, perseverance, and humor earned him the respect and love of his colleagues and peers. In work and in life, Marty never met a stranger. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and had a heart of gold, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Marty’s life was characterized by his love and devotion to his family. He cherished family gatherings and loved telling his witty stories and jokes, over and over, filling the room with joy and love. He gained another daughter (in-law) Julie in 2007 when she married Bill, and two beautiful grandchildren, twins Connor and Katie, in 2008. With his now extended family, he loved his children, 10 grandchildren, and 16, soon to be 17, great grandchildren. 

Marty was also deeply involved in the community, especially through the Catholic church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 50 years and served as the Grand Knight from 1994 to 1996. It has been said that he did more for the recruitment of new members than anyone else. He was always extremely charitable, wanting the less fortunate to have every opportunity he had. He generously supported Boys Town, St. Joseph’s Indian School for children, and volunteered his time and resources to various other charitable causes, always eager to lend a helping hand to those in need. His compassionate heart and selfless nature touched countless lives. 

Marty will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him.

 Marty is survived by his loving wife, Sue Simmons-Kinney, his devoted children, Gene Kinney and Bill Kinney (Julie), Teri Mathis (Doug), Carla Kutsche (Jeff Stancer), Sean Simmons (Andrea), his cherished grandchildren, Connor, Katie, Ashley, Justin, Kyle, Jared, Brittany, Courtney, Brittany, and Abbey and a host of other family members, friends, parishioners, and anyone who would listen to his jokes. They will carry his memory in their hearts forever. Marty was preceded in death by his mother and father, the mother of his children Judy, his sister Louis Denker, and his brother Jimmy Kinney. 

A formal Catholic mass celebrating Marty’s life will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 11AM at St. Eugenes Catholic Parish, 2400 West Hefner Road, Oklahoma City, OK. The graveside service will follow the Mass at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery at 1:30 PM.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Eugenes Catholic Church building fund, in honor of Marty’s spirit of giving and compassion.

Though Marty may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will live on eternally, a beacon of light and love guiding us through the darkness.

Rest in peace, dear Marty. You will be deeply missed, but your memory will forever be a blessing to us all.