John Ray Hinnen

John Ray Hinnen was born on November 29, 1944 in El Dorado, KS the only child of Ray and Gerthal (Miller) Hinnen. He spent his entire lifetime in the Potwin area. He graduated from Potwin High School in 1962. John served his country during the Vietnam conflict from 1965-1967 serving as a specialist 5 engineer/heavy equipment operator in Bombholder, Germany with the United States Army.
On October 17, 1970 he married Christa “Chris” Wealand from Cedar Point. They started their marriage moving into Potwin in 1986. He was a heavy equipment operator for Myer’s/Martin Marietta Rock Quarry for over 25 years. He operated the road grader and maintenance for Plum Grove Township for many years, even after retirement.
John was a loving husband and caregiver to his wife through her prolonged illness. Chris preceded him in death on June 14, 2008. In 2010, John moved south of Potwin as a neighbor to his daughter, Renee and her husband, Brenton. He was a wonderful grandpa to his granddogs, Quigley and Bodhi. He still enjoyed his trips into town for mail and coffee to share news and talk with his friends.
After a very short diagnosis of cancer, John passed away peacefully at his home on November 13, 2022 with his daughter by his side. The day after John’s passing his son-in-law, Brenton also passed away.
John is survived by his loving daughter, Renee of rural Towanda and many loving friends of the surrounding community.
He is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Chris.
The family will gather with friends on Sunday, November 20 at the Whitewater Community Church from 2-4 PM. A celebration of life will take place at the Whitewater Community Church on Monday, November 21 at 3:00 PM for both John and his son-in-law, Brenton. A dinner will be provided immediately following. A private family burial will take place at McGill Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions in John’s name may be directed to Good Shepherd Hospice.
Please leave a memory and sign John’s online guestbook at www.carlsonkirbymorris.com

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