Larry Kinney

Larry Kinney, 73, passed away at home, surrounded by those who loved and cared for him the most, on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Larry Lee Kinney of Lewistown was born on January 26, 1953, to Ruth Ann (Smith) and Peck Kinney in Bellefontaine. He graduated from Indian Lake High School in 1971 and married Jayne (Renick), who still survives, on November 10th 1973, in Lewistown.

Certain people are able to master many trades or don many hats. As a lifelong farmer, Larry was an expert in adapting to the task that needed to be done and doing it well. But in addition to his many hats, Larry also donned many vehicles. Throughout his life, the wheels that he rode in on defined what he was doing there and, perhaps, just how quickly he would be ready to leave.

If it were his fair golf cart, he never wanted to leave. Being Logan County Fair Director for 30 years meant many long hours and joyous days. Being Fair Director also meant that Larry needed to access all of the fairgrounds quickly and easily, and there was no better vehicle in which to do that than a golf cart. There was also only one time that his smile was wider than on those days he was zipping around in his open cab office: the moments that he got to watch his children and then their children show off all of their hard work and craftsmanship in the show arena. There was never a prouder dad or Papa. And the fair board was clearly proud of Larry’s hard work as well: his peers nominated him for the 2023 Director’s Award for Hard Work and Dedication, an award that the State of Ohio honored him with.
Another vehicle that was guaranteed to make Larry crack a smile was his Harley Davidson motorcycles. Although nothing could compare to his pride for his family, he always had a twinkle in his eye when he was able to show off the work he put into curating and maintaining his Harley collection. His trips to Sturgis and Daytona with his Harley community were some of his most cherished travel experiences. If you knew Larry, you knew that he would not travel too far unless it was for a Harley or on a Harley. Luckily, his family was nearby, so he was able to include them in his cherished hobby. He never said no to one of his grandkids asking for a ride in his antique sidecar.

Now Larry didn’t stop at Harley Davidson motorcycles. He also drove a Harley-Davidson special edition truck. If you saw Larry cruising down 274 in his distinctive black and orange ride, and if you were early enough, you might have caught him on his way to breakfast. His breakfast ritual was to use that special truck to make the rounds at each local establishment to drink coffee with friends. Later in the day, you might have caught him on his way to pursue another passion: trap shooting. Although he had an impressive collection of shotguns over the years, his collection of trap shooting friends was even more impressive.

No one who runs a multigenerational family farm is without their fair share of tractors. Farmers have their professional opinions about tractors, and, because they’re farmers, they’re often pretty loyal. Maybe it is to a manufacturer, make, or model, but those loyalties can run deep. Sure, Larry may have had his opinions and preferences, but the most important part of his time on the tractor was who he was working with. Maybe it was chosen family, such as his beloved Eric Stokes, whom he was lucky to farm alongside for 49 years. Maybe it was his beloved partners, Marilyn and J. Robert Renick, whom he spent a lifetime of lunches and long days working beside. Maybe it was his oldest son, Richard Kinney, who learned so much riding along with, and eventually driving, his father and grandfather. Larry’s loyalties, on the tractor and off, sure did run deep.

As the farm changed over the years, Larry could often be seen on his Gator. Whether he was going up the drive to visit with his mother-in-law, Marilyn Renic,k or across the way with his dog, Remi by his side, he found freedom and peace behind the wheel of that Gator. It was regularly parked outside of the heart of the family farm: his “shop.” Although anyone who was ever lucky enough to step inside knows that “shop” doesn’t quite cover it. Most shops don’t have the capacity to host family reunions, business meetings, basketball games, Harley restorations, or day-to-day quality time. The family is so grateful for his monthly shop friends Jon Gillespie, Hump, and John Chanel, as well as all of the shop visitors over the last three years, for making his day.

Larry was still driving his very first vehicle when he first met his beloved wife, Jayne. Her first impression was not based on the kind of vehicle but rather the faith and commitment that the man driving offered, even in high school. They did not have to share all of his passions to share a beautiful life. Larry and Jayne shared 3 children, 10 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 52 years, and infinite memories. The legacy of their love will be carried forward by their children, grandchildren, friends, and family for lifetimes to come.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Ann & Peck Kinney, and grandparents Fred & Hazel Kinney, Forrest & Nellie Smith, Jay & Anna Renick, and Glenn & Mabel LeVally.

Larry is survived by his wife Jayne, children Richard (Missy), Sam (Chris), and Melissa (Matt); his special sister and brother-in-law Deanna & Will Hartnett and niece Dani (Will); his grandchildren Jackson (Makayla), Franklin, Allison, Alex, Alivia, Lukas, Lacey, Parker, Harper, and Carson; and his great grandson Ledger Grimes, and a sister Paula (John) Shambro.

Larry’s Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Fion Wine Room (7468 State Route 11,7 Huntsville). The family will provide food and drinks.

A special thank you to Lacey, Lissa, and Deanna for their exceptional loving care for Larry.

Memorial contributions can be made to Logan County Agricultural Society at 301 E. Lake Ave., Bellefontaine, OH 43311. The funds will be used to provide benches around the fairgrounds.

Per his wishes, he has been cremated, and his ashes will be spread on his beloved farm.

Arrangements are in the care of Shoffstall Funeral Home, Lakeview, OH. Condolences may be expressed at Shoffstallfunerahome.com.