Robert Matthew Kinney

Robert Matthew Kinney, aged 62, of Independence, MO, passed away Sunday afternoon, December 7, 2025, at home surrounded by his loved ones. Robert was born on November 28, 1963, the third son of James Sterling and Deanna Marie Kinney in Kansas City, MO. Robert was raised in Cleveland, MO. He graduated from Midway High School in 1982, where he was a member of the band and a talented player on the varsity football, basketball, and track teams. He was inducted, along with his brothers, into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in October 2020—it was a proud moment for him to stand alongside them while receiving this honor. After high school, he served in the United States Army and National Guard.

Robert raised his son in Cleveland, MO, with the loving help of his parents. He worked as a security guard for the IRS in Kansas City, MO, for 10 years. He then became an over-the-road trucker driver, spending 25 years hauling new cars for Jack Cooper LLC. He got the chance to see a lot of the countryside and loved his job, retiring in June 2025.

Robert married his wife, Cindy, on April 19, 2019, in Independence, MO. They enjoyed exploring together, traveling, and the thrill of the hunt as they spent their weekends shopping estate sales. Robert treasured time with his family, from playing golf or poker with his brothers and fishing with his son to taking his grandchildren on adventures around town. He also enjoyed many activities, including going to the movies, country dancing with friends and family, playing sports like softball and bowling, and coaching his son’s tee ball and baseball teams. Robert never met a stranger. He was loved and cherished by many. He was respected by all. He will be dearly missed.

Robert was preceded in death by his great-grandparents; grandparents; mother, Deanna Marie Kinney; and daughter, Stacey Michelle Kinney. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Ann Kinney; son, James “JR” Raymond Kinney (Ashley); granddaughter, Stacie Rae Clay (Kaylie); grandsons, Matthew Dean Kinney and Liam Michael Kinney; step-son, Jason Ray Park (Kayla); step- daughter, Emily Ann Laptad (Caden); step-grandsons, Phoenix Ray Park, Neville Joe Park, and Remus Lee Park; step-sons Christopher Eastridge (Kelsey) and Kyle Eastridge (Jessy); step- grandson, Max Eastridge; dad, James Sterling Kinney, Sr. (Ruth); brothers, James Sterling Kinney, Jr. (Beth), Raymond Franklin Kinney (Debra), and Thomas Edward Kinney; sister, Deborah Ann Hamilton (Jeffrey); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A celebration of life for Robert will be held on Sunday, December 14, at 2:00 p.m. in the church located at 331 E Main, Drexel, MO 64742. Robert will be laid to rest in Mount Washington Cemetery, Independence, MO, on Monday, December 15, at noon.