Obituary for Dean Earl Hinkle
Dean Earl Hinkle, age 77, of rural Bonner Springs, Kansas passed away on Saturday, January 14th, 2023 at his home while surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be from 6-8pm Wednesday, Jan. 18th at the Alden-Harrington Funeral Home with a Rosary Service at 5:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10am Thursday, Jan. 19th at the Holy Angels Catholic Church (Small Chapel) in Basehor, KS. Interment will follow at a later date in the Leavenworth National Cemetery. Memorial Contributions can be made to the VNA (Visiting Nurses Association).
Dean was born on October 31, 1945 in Garnett, Kansas and was one of three sons born to Kenneth & Ellen (Johnston) Hinkle. He and his brothers grew up on their family’s farm near Garnett. Dean graduated from Garnett High School in the Class of 1963. He then attended Pittsburg State University and finished his education at Southeast Kansas Technical Center. Dean served in the US Navy, where he was proud to be a Shellback by crossing the equator. While in the Navy, Dean served on the USS Hornet. While on the USS Hornet, they picked up the crew of astronauts from the Apollo 11 & 12 Moon landing missions. Dean married Cindy (Mersman) in 1972 at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Scipio, KS. Together they made their home in Edwardsville, later lived in Bonner Springs and Basehor and lastly in rural Leavenworth County. Dean retired after a 34-year career with Sears as a service technician. He and Cindy always enjoyed traveling and in their retirement, they got to share their love of traveling with their grandchildren. Early in life, Dean spent many hours at the pool hall playing cards and pool. Playing cards with family and friends was something he always enjoyed—having bragging rights was something he enjoyed even more.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents and by one brother Duane Hinkle.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years Cindy Hinkle of the home, their two children: Dawn Easley and husband Brad of Basehor, KS and Dustin Hinkle and wife Lacy of Gardner, KS. Four grandchildren: Chandley Walker and husband Alec, Emma Easley, Keegan Hinkle and Davis Hinkle, one great-grandson Everton Walker. Brother Dale Hinkle and his wife Carolyn of Forsyth, MO as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Dean was born on October 31, 1945 in Garnett, Kansas and was one of three sons born to Kenneth & Ellen (Johnston) Hinkle. He and his brothers grew up on their family’s farm near Garnett. Dean graduated from Garnett High School in the Class of 1963. He then attended Pittsburg State University and finished his education at Southeast Kansas Technical Center. Dean served in the US Navy, where he was proud to be a Shellback by crossing the equator. While in the Navy, Dean served on the USS Hornet. While on the USS Hornet, they picked up the crew of astronauts from the Apollo 11 & 12 Moon landing missions. Dean married Cindy (Mersman) in 1972 at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Scipio, KS. Together they made their home in Edwardsville, later lived in Bonner Springs and Basehor and lastly in rural Leavenworth County. Dean retired after a 34-year career with Sears as a service technician. He and Cindy always enjoyed traveling and in their retirement, they got to share their love of traveling with their grandchildren. Early in life, Dean spent many hours at the pool hall playing cards and pool. Playing cards with family and friends was something he always enjoyed—having bragging rights was something he enjoyed even more.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents and by one brother Duane Hinkle.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years Cindy Hinkle of the home, their two children: Dawn Easley and husband Brad of Basehor, KS and Dustin Hinkle and wife Lacy of Gardner, KS. Four grandchildren: Chandley Walker and husband Alec, Emma Easley, Keegan Hinkle and Davis Hinkle, one great-grandson Everton Walker. Brother Dale Hinkle and his wife Carolyn of Forsyth, MO as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.