H. K. Hinkley, Jr., age 75, died on Monday, August 12, 2013 at home in Freeport after a cheerful and optimistic 14-months' battle against pancreatic cancer.
He was born Harlan Kelsey, Jr., October 26, 1937, in Litchfield, Illinois, the son of Harlan and Pauline (Bandy) Hinkley.
On August 21, 1960, he married Rosemary Hughes in Carbondale, Illinois.
Preceding him in death was his brother-in-law Bud Cross of Carterville.
Survivors include his wife; sons Paul (Anna) Hinkley of Lombard, Illinois and Dean (Angie ) Hinkley of Ruskin, Florida; grandchildren Glenn and Brian Hinkley of Lombard, Illinois and Zachary Hinkley, Eric and Rebecca Knowles and Priscilla Garcia, all of Ruskin, Florida; brother Jerry (Deanna) Hinkley of Lindenhurst, Illinois; sister-in-law Carol Cross of Carterville, Illinois; and precious nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mr. Hinkley was the first engineering graduate from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1959. That first degree was called Industrial Education and Applied Science. He held engineering positions with Sarkes Tarzian, Inc., in Bloomington, Indiana, for two years; McDonnell Aircraft Corp. in St. Louis, Missouri, for seven years; and for 30 years with Honeywell's Micro Switch Division in Freeport. At the McDonnell plant in St. Louis, he helped to check out the electrical systems of the last five Gemini space craft of the Gemini program. This engendered his intense interest in the space program. At Honeywell he served as liaison between Micro Switch and Underwriters' Labs, Canadian Standards, and various other such quality control agencies in Scotland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, France, India, and Brazil. He retired from Micro Switch in October 1997.
While his sons were at Empire School, HK served six years as Cubmaster and then watched with pride as the boys continued in Scouting under the supervision of Rod Simenson. One son and two grandsons have achieved Eagle Scout.
His principal membership was with the First United Methodist Church of Freeport. There he served as church treasurer for 23 years and was a member of the choir for 35 years. Since 2002 he has edited a tape each week of the church service (while living in IL during the warm months) and has delivered it to the radio station for a delayed broadcast. A charter member of the Freeport German Band and participant of that group for 21 years, he also played baritone horn beginning in 1979 with the Freeport Concert Band. Since 1986 he served as announcer in that community band, a commitment of 28 years. He served on the Board of Directors of this Freeport band about 15 years.
Before retirement HK accompanied his wife as she led several trips to Mexico to introduce that culture to her students. After retirement he let his wife talk him into other trips. He was a good sport about leaving home for these vacations although his beloved classical music had to stay behind.
Beginning in December 1998, for 15 years, he loved being a Winter Texan, participating in a musical community in McAllen as a member of the RGV Band and Winter Texan Orchestra. During winters in South Texas he played baritone horn in these ensembles. He served as band treasurer there for four years.
In 1970, HK began collecting Old Time Radio Shows from the 30's,' 40's and 50's, by buying and trading these programs. His collection eventually held 5000+ hours of the 15- and 30-minute programs, including all of the broadcast "Fibber McGee and Molly" shows available. He was listed as a resource in the New York City Museum of Communications for Old Time Radio programs. From time to time he presented a local demonstration of the imagination fostered when one listens to these programs.
HK was also known for jokes his friends called "groaners". People would stop him and say, "I have to tell you this HK-joke", and it would be a pun of some sort. HK would roll his eyes and say his reputation for these groaners was "undeserved".
A program dear to the Hinkleys' hearts is a border breakfast-lunch program for children in Mexico through the Methodist Church of Mexico. Beginning in 2006, Mr. Hinkley visited those churches and worked for financial support to help feed those school children. He wanted to leave as his legacy a strong breakfast-lunch program in Mexican Methodist churches along the border. One particular church serves 60-80 children a week now. His contact with these churches was the border missionary at his Texas church, First United Methodist Church of McAllen, where he has been an "affiliate member" since December 2010.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 15 from 5-8 p.m. at Walker Mortuary and from noon until the time of service on Friday, August 16 at First United Methodist Church.
A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church Friday, August 16 at 2 p.m. after which cremation rites will be accorded.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church in Freeport, Freeport Concert Band, Inc., 4323 Business Route 20 West, Freeport or McAllen District of the UMC for the Border Ministry of First United Methodist Church, 4200 No. McColl in McAllen, TX 78504. Please earmark checks with "MexicanBreakfast-Lunch" program (ATT/ Susan Hellums).
The family wishes to praise all of the Freeport medical team who cared for HK this past year and especially the compassionate FHN Hospice staff and volunteers.