Arthur Ray Kinder

Arthur Ray Kinder, 98, of the Kansas City Northland, passed peacefully on October 28, 2025, at NorthCare Hospice House with loved ones at his side.

Art was born June 29, 1927, in Iberia, Missouri, the son of Ralph and Mary (Knight) Kinder. He was the middle of five children, growing up on a large livestock and lumber farm without the luxuries of running water or electricity in the house. Food was kept cold in the creek nearby and walking a mile to and from school in any weather was routine. Art’s early joys included caring for his pet ducks and playing checkers with his grandmother. He continued challenging his family members to a game of checkers throughout his life.

Art attended high school in Versailles, Missouri, and at age 16, he moved to Kansas City. Fibbing about his age, Art landed a job in a bomber plant, building B-25 aircraft. Soon, Art received the summons from Harry Truman, drafting him into the Army. He trained in Georgia and Maryland and then served overseas tours in Japan and Korea.

While in Korea, Art managed the PX Army Exchange on base, maintaining inventory and supplies for his fellow soldiers. In his spare time, Art tried his talents at the violin. However, one soldier, annoyed with listening to Art’s futile practicing, destroyed his violin. This postponed Art’s attempt as a musician… that is, until he took up playing a musette in the Ararat Shrine Oriental Band decades later! Following Art’s honorable service, he received discharge in 1947, being awarded the WWII Victory Medal, as well as the Army Occupation of Japan Medal.

After serving his country, Art returned to Kansas City and went to work for the American Can Company for 65 cents an hour. He became a machinist and later a union representative with the International Association of Machinists. Art was a skilled negotiator between the union and company representatives. He worked for the same company for 44 years, retiring as Shipping and Receiving Manager.

In 1956, Art blended families when he married his wife, Virginia. Together they had one daughter, Ann, and were longtime Lee’s Summit residents prior to Virginia’s death in 1996. He later married Janet and moved to the Kansas City Northland. Art and Janet have happily spent the last 25 years together.

Art enjoyed adventure, traveling to all seven continents. He was known as Mr. Fixit, heading to his workshop with anything that was broken. Neighbors could also rely on Art’s generosity, not only repairing items for them, but helping around their homes any way he could. He enjoyed woodworking, creating chess boards, toys, benches, birdhouses, and many other decorative and useful items. He also loved being on a lake to do some fishing.

In 1958, Art joined the Masonic fraternity at Rising Sun Lodge. He later became a 32nd degree York Rite Mason and a devoted member of Ararat Shrine. He did anything he could to support the kids that Shriners serve. He resurrected his “music talents” when he joined the Ararat Oriental Band and mastered playing a musette. Art served the band for many years, including as President in 1982, Rajah in 1983 and Band Director in 2002 and 2003. He was also a member of the Order of Quetzalcoatl. Art loved his Shrine family and its purpose, volunteering at Shrine Circuses, swap meets, and hospital work. He served as a Potentate’s Aide and Club Ambassador, being honored for his tireless work as an Emeritus member.

Art attended church faithfully, serving over the years as a Sunday School teacher and usher.

Art loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He leaves his wife, Janet; daughter, Ann Laureen Spevack (Les); son, Stephen Ray Kinder (Galina); step-daughter, Jill Kreitzer (Richard); step-son, Colin See (Ranae); grandchildren, Jason Spevack (Leah), Veronica Kinder (Aaron), Stephen Kinder, Jr., Brady Kreitzer (McKenna), and Jordan See; two great grandchildren, Duncan and Lincoln; as well as other family members and many friends. Along with his parents, Art is preceded in death by his four siblings.

Art’s life embodied members of the greatest generation. He required of himself integrity, hard work, and dedication to the task at hand. He would do anything to help the family he loved, his many friends, and the kids served by the Shrine. He will be missed.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by Masonic and funeral services a 2:00 pm, on Saturday, November 8, at Barry Christian Church, 1500 N.W. Barry Road, Kansas City, Missouri. He will be laid to rest next to Virginia in a private ceremony at Floral Hills East Memorial Gardens in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name are suggested to the Ararat Shrine Hospital Transportation Fund, 499 MO-7, Blue Springs, Missouri 64015.

Arrangements: Park Lawn Northland Chapel (816) 781-8228.