Donal Dale Kinsley, age 93, of Trinidad, passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2023.
Born in Lima, Ohio on March 3, 1930, to Martin Clifford and Frances (Rexer) Kinsley. He was raised in Omaha, Nebraska and eventually, he and his family moved to Prescott, Arizona.
In 1949, he was attending The University of Omaha, majoring in Psychology with a music minor, and was involved in the Concert Band and Rifle Team. He also was a part of a dance band and played the trombone, making $20 per gig. By 1950 that dream ended due to being drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. He stated that in his mind he could not be drafted if he was enrolled in college, but the powers that be laughed at his naivete’.
While in the Army, he was sent to Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri where he became a Squad Leader, Drill Instructor, rifle Instructor, and oversaw the post rifle team.
In 1951, After leaving the Army, he decided that he wanted to prospect for Uranium, copper ore and Tungsten, moving to Prescott Arizona, and spent time on the north rim of the Grand Canyon with a few of his good friends.
In 1955, He met the love of his life in the little town of Prescott, and they were eventually married on December 28, 1956, in Prescott, Arizona, and began their life together.
1956 was the beginning of his employment with the Federal Aviation Administration as a flight service station specialist when he also began teaching flying lessons. The FAA transferred him and his new wife to Tucumcari, NM where they had their first child. After a short stint in New Mexico, they were sent to Trinidad, Colorado where they extended their family with 4 other children.
Don was a union representative of the National Association of Air Traffic Specialists (NAATS) where he served as the regional director for eight years. He took great pride in this position and traveled around the country due to his commitment.
Predeceased by parents Martin and Frances Kinsley, brother Gerry Kinsley, wife Judith, daughter Deborah Leroux, and grandson Dustin Avila.
Don is survived by children, Michael and Theresa Ornelas of Fort Lupton Robert and Addie Kinsley of Trinidad, Ed Leroux of Rawlins, WY, Rhonda and Sam Avila of Trinidad, Kinsa and Jesse Billings of Aurora. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, Christopher, Andrew, Timothy, Crystal, Shannell, Isaac, Richard, Cami and Rachel, Shanna, Nick and Mitch, 25 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, sister Babe! Netz, Phoenix, AZ.
Don requested no funeral, but the family did join together in a private celebration of life where he was remembered for the love that he shared with all of us and the special memories that each of us had of him.
