Carl H Kinne

          Carl Henry Kinne, age 81, of Spokane, Washington, breathed his last breath on earth Wednesday morning, September 30, 2020 – and entered into his eternal home. Carl was born March 13, 1939, and he grew up on a farm in Iowa – a small-town heritage that he was proud of and often referred to throughout his life. His parents, of Germanic descent, taught him the values of hard work, discipline, and integrity, which he in turn passed on to his own children.

          At the age of 22, he left the farm to join the United States Marine Corps, where he faithfully served for four years. His pride in his country and his Marine Corps service ran deep and was something that he was well-known for. He was one of few men who could still fit into his original dress blues at age 70 and wear them with pride to the Marine Corps ball.

          In 1965, Carl was honorably discharged to pursue the ministry. He became saved at age 25 and felt that God laid it on his heart to become a pastor. After attending a few different colleges in California, he got his bachelor’s degree from Cal State Fullerton and his Master’s of Divinity from Talbot Theological Seminary. During this time, Carl met his wife, Debra, at a mutual friend’s house. They got married on June 10, 1972, in Costa Mesa, California, and together they had seven children and enjoyed 48 years of marriage.

          Over his time as pastor, Carl ministered to several small churches through an organization called Village Missions. It sent him to towns in Colorado, South Dakota, Washington, and northern and southern California. His final full-time pastorate was at Deary Community Church in Deary, Idaho. After that, he and his family lived in Moscow, Idaho; Bakersfield, California; and finally came to Spokane, Washington, where they lived for the past eighteen years. His last job was as a custodian at CoreMark in Spokane Valley, and he was a member of Faith Bible Church.

          Carl was survived by his wife, Debra Kinne, and his seven children – Joy Luna, Jessica Matthews, Valerie Zorn, Vicki Joyner, Lisa Kinne, Lydia Kinne, and Daniel Kinne. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.

          If you could describe Carl in one word, it would be faithful. The Marine Corps motto of Semper Fidelis –“Always Faithful” – applied to him one hundred percent. He was faithful to God, to his wife and family, and to his country. He cared deeply about every person he interacted with – his family and friends, the people he ministered to, and people he met walking down the street. He was a man of conviction and principle, a man of prayer and the Bible, and a man who was a genuine servant leader. He also had a ready laugh, and even the smallest spark of who he was brought joy to everyone around him.

          His spirit, passion, exuberance, and love will continue to live on in his children and everyone else who has crossed his path. He lived his life for one purpose only – and that was to bring glory to God in all he did. And when he crossed into heaven’s gates, he was undoubtedly greeted by the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

          There will be a memorial service on Saturday, October 10th, at 2:00pm at Faith Bible Church (COVID restrictions apply). Burial will take place at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Medical Lake.

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