Time For Memory

Donel Clifford Kinnard

1936 - 2009

Donel Clifford Kinnard, 72, of Hurricane, WV, passed away February 14, 2009 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2009, at the Wallace Funeral Home, Milton. He was born April 5, 1936, in Logan, WV, a son of the late Clifford Kinnard and Emalene Chapman Kinnard Wellman. He retired with 22 years in Military service, first in the Marines and then in the Unites States Navy where he served with U.D. T. & S.E.A.L.S. team. He was a recipient of the Navy Cross, the Navys highest medal, 7 purple hearts, the Bronze Star and many other medals, commendations and citations. Donel was the past State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, past district commander V.F.W., past Post Commander of the V.F.W., past President of the Hurricane Lions Club. He was currently serving as Chairman of the West Virginia Veterans Council, Chairman of the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Home committee, and Chairman of the WV Veterans Cemetery. He was a member of the Legion of Valor, Military Order of the purple heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, UDT-SEAL Association, Fleet Reserve Association, Marine Corps League, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Military Order of the Cooties. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his second wife, Hannalore Kinnard; sisters, Kay and Patricia Kinnard. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca McCann Kinnard; six children and their spouses, Theresa Johnson of Austin, TX, Donel Kinnard and Tammy of Milford, OH, Mike Kinnard and Lina of Milton, WV, Melissa Kay Cliver and Tim of San Antonio, TX, Petra Kresse and Bob of Virginia Beach, VA, and Kimberly Tapia and Ted of Longmont, CO; four step children and their spouses, Larry Stamm and Laurene of Mooresville, NC, Wade Stamm and friend, Karen of Huntersville, NC, Alandra Warner and John of Mooreville, NC, and Ryan Stamm and Louisa of Cornelius, NC; one brother, Ben Kinnard of Woodriver, IL; two sisters, Emma Robison and companion George of Palm Bay, FL, and Lona Hayes and her husband, Pete of Milton, WV; 8 grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Wallace Funeral Home, Milton. In lieu of flowers donations in his honor may be made to the Needy Veteran's Fund at the West Virginia Veteran's Nursing Facility: One Freedoms Way, Clarksburg, WV, 26301, or the Needy Veteran's Fund at the WV Veteran's Home in Barboursville, WV: 512 Water Street, Barboursville, WV 25504. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace. He will be greatly missed by his beloved friends, Clifford and Jim who helped on the farm, and missed by his cows, horses, donkeys, dogs, Woody, Dingo, and Happy, and all the rest of his critters.

There are currently 52 condolences.

Barry Sharp Friday February 27, 2009 at 10:10 PM
He was a great Comrade. I will always cherish some of his sea stories he shared with myself and Steve Irvin at the State Conventions. He will be dearly missed, we have truly lost a great supporter to our Veteran's organizations. Barry

Jackie Anderson jackieintexas@aol.com Tuesday February 24, 2009 at 12:14 PM
So sorry for your loss. What a great man with so many accomplishments in his life. Let me know if there is anything I can do.

Jack Yeager mayoryeager@cityofdunbarwv.com Monday February 23, 2009 at 2:04 PM
He was one of my heros.

Joe Kresse Monday February 23, 2009 at 11:04 AM
My grandfather was a great man. I have many early memories of being at his home in Hurricane. Such as falling in the creek and painting the back of the house in mud. Or playing in the pool or play with the pool table. So many other little things come to mind, but most of all Papaw was unlike many other people I have come across in my 28 years. His sense of humor was so unique and I have to say his ability to be up so early in the morning is something I dont think I could ever get used to. Knowing what he did for our country brings a great sense of pride. I wish he would have been able to come to my wedding several year ago, but I know he was wishing he could. Now I have memories of a grandfather that will never expire. He will be missed and I do wish I could have been at the service to pay my respects, but I know he knows just how I feel. Farewell Papaw.

Petra Kresse Saturday February 21, 2009 at 11:10 AM
I would like to share with everyone a memory of my dad. There are so many to choose from but I will pick the recent. On a trip in may, my sister Kim, my granddaughter Emily, and myself made a trip to see dad. After divining from Virginia Beach arriving late in the evening the very next day his great granddaughter Emily awoke as daylight broke and we walked into the kitchen and when dad awoke he was very much surprised to see us awake before him. Then Emily asked him what is wrong with your roosters I think they are broken they are not cock-a-doodle-doing, I think you need to buy a new one that works. I think we need to go feed your animals, they must be hungry. And the love and the pride that shined in his eyes as they walked hand and hand will forever be in my memory. So I will not say goodbye I will say till we meet again in that special place that everyone comes to know as haven. I also wanted to say that I have so much respect and pride for my father for all that he has done for his country and fellow man, and I am sure not to meet the likes of another man of his greatness in my lifetime. I love you dad! And so in the UDT saying WHOOYA (sorry if that is not spelled correct) Your daughter Petra.

Bob Siebel wvundewrcover@yahoo.com Friday February 20, 2009 at 8:50 PM
I was so sorry to hear of Don's loss, he will truly be missed by one and all. Anchors Away my friend,

H.G. WILLIAMS MCL # 1087 TRUEGAIT@GMAIL.COM Friday February 20, 2009 at 12:47 AM
SEMPER FI

Peggy J. Barker, WV VFW Webmaster fosterbarker@yahoo.com Thursday February 19, 2009 at 7:40 PM
To the Family, Sincere & Heartfelt Sympathy is extended to you in the passing of your loved one. He left a wonderful legacy & will always be remembered as a True Veteran's Advocate. Love & Prayers

Mary Ann & Ron Misko Thursday February 19, 2009 at 5:32 PM
Melissa and Tim, Please accept our prayers and condolences. Your father was quite a remarkable hero. I wish that we could have met him. His legacy reminds me of my dad who was also a WW11 hero. I look forward to hearing more stories. Our thoughts are with you and your family. God Bless him. Mary Ann & Ron

Doug & Cherri Dodson dcdods@aol.com Thursday February 19, 2009 at 5:13 PM
Melissa & Tim: Please know we are thinking of you, and are very sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like he was an amazing gentleman, who experienced things most of cannot even imagine. Doug & Cherri

Willy and Donna Sullivan Thursday February 19, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Our most sincere condolences to Melissa Cliver and her family. Your happy memories of your Dad will be in your heart forever and we hope these loving thoughts get you through this difficult time. We love you and our prayers are with you.

Chad Arthur chad1@citynet.net Thursday February 19, 2009 at 10:44 AM
My deepest condolences to the Kinnard family. I got to know Mr. Kinnard through business when I was a very young man and he immediately earned my respect by the way he treated me and others. He was a salesman but he would never pretend to be anything that he wasn't just to try an make a sale. Later, when I learned of his military heroism, my respect and admiration only grew. I'm proud to say that I knew someone like Mr. Kinnard and his passing is a loss the entire country. They don't make many like Don Kinnard.

The Kinney Family (Uncle Don) Thursday February 19, 2009 at 10:20 AM
We shall miss you Uncle!

Manisa Sergent and Billy Fulks Thursday February 19, 2009 at 8:56 AM
To Donel and Tammy, Mike and Lina and children. Our deepest condolences on the loss of your father and grandfather. He lived his life with Honor, Bravery, and Selflessness. Don knew something so many today do not, the true meaning of being an American. He spent his whole life serving others, at times with great personal sacrifice to himself. There is no higher caliber of man. It was such a great honor to have known him. Take pride in knowing that you are descended from greatness and comfort in knowing that so many lives were touched by this true American Patriot.

jim and Goldie Cliver, San Antonio, Tx Thursday February 19, 2009 at 12:48 AM
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Don whom it was a pleasure to meet at Melissa and Tim's wedding. We have heard so many wonderful stories about his military career and his support in his community. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Jim and Goldie

Dustin Carroll robert.d.carroll@us.army.mil Thursday February 19, 2009 at 12:21 AM
I would like to offer my sympathy to the family of Don Kinnard. I only got the chance to meet Don a couple times, but have heard his legacy of fighting for the rights of all WV veteran many of times from my Comrads at the VFW. This man was not only an American Hero, but a Hero for all WV Veterans. Don will be greatly missed, and know that the Veterans of WV owe a great amount of gratitude to the accomplishments, dedication, and selfless serice that Don has given us. May Don Rest in Peace.

West Virginia Recon Marine Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Your time in Hell is over Chief. Smooth sailing and fair winds. May God give peace to your family. Thanks for your service. Semper Fidelis E. Ash Princeton, WV

Marlene & Robert Arecchi and Family Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 6:02 PM
Our deepest sympathy to Becky and family. My sister, his step-daughter-in-law Laurene Stamm, has always spoken so highly of what a wonderful gentleman Don was. I am sorry that we never had the opportunity to meet him. May he rest in peace.

Randy and Carolyn Spencer Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Melissa and Tim, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. May the comfort of Jesus, as well as friends and loved ones help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

BILLY JETT diamondturtle007@yahoo.com Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 4:01 PM
THERE ARE VERY FEW MEN WHO HAVE WALKED INTO A PERSONS LIFE AND MADE A LASTING IMPRESSION AS DID DON, I KNEW HIM FROM HIS STOPPING IN AT MY WORK, HE HELPED ME THRU A TIME WHEN MY FATHER PASSED AWAY AND HE ARRANGED FOR THE MILITARY SERVICE AT GRAVESIDE, HE WAS SOMEONE I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER,I CONSIDER DON AS TO BE A FRIEND, HE WILL BE MISSED BY EVERYONE WHO KNEW HIM

Suzy Thomas Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 1:37 PM
Melissa and the Kinnard family - My sincere condolences on the loss of your father. What a great American! I'm sure his love and leadership will be missed by many. My prayers are with you.

Grace king Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 11:53 AM


Ruthie and Ron Cliver Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Melissa and Tim, We were so very sorry to hear about your loss. Your father was an amazing man who will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. With heart felt sympathy, Ruthie and Ron

Norman D. Walker Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Donel and I served together a long time ago. We did a mission together with the Fleet Marines. He was a fine fellow, a good comrade, and I thought highly of him. I wish he was still with us. Norm. Walker MCPO USN (RET)

Everett L Darling elkava@esagelink.com Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Don, Everything that had to be said was in the handshake. Rest easy my friend, God has put you in a special place, our hearts. Thanks for being my friend.

Cindy and Terrell McCombs Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 9:59 AM
Melissa and Tim, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family members in your time of loss of your beloved family member,a true American hero.

Tom & Sharon Wright Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 9:51 AM
America needs more heroes like Donel Kinnard! Our love, thoughts & prayers are with Melissa Cliver & her family. May your father's strength, your memories & all that your father believed in, help comfort you through this most difficult time. God's peace be with you. Tom & Sharon Wright

Valerie Mann vmann731@hotmail.com Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 9:46 AM
Mike, Lina, and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Art & Tracie Kiolbassa Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 9:30 AM
We Are so sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.If there is anything I can do for you Melissa, please let me know- Art & Tracie Kiolbassa San Antonio,Texas

Daniel Ike danieljike@yahoo.com Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 8:27 AM
I would like to send my condolences to Becky, Mike, Jaye and all the family. I have had the pleasure of getting to know Papaw over the last two years and I will really miss him. As I reflect back it saddens me that we will never pull up to the house and see him out chopping wood or with the animals or waving bye to us as we pull away. I wish my daughter, Avery, could have grown up with the farm and papaw being part of her life the way he was her mother, Jaye. He was always so happy to see them. It always made him smile to know they were coming to visit every Sunday and an important part of his life. It was a joy to watch him pull Aves in the car and feed her ice cream. These are memories I will never forget. I will make sure Avery knows how much he loved her and who he was. He was always very kind to me and made me feel more than welcome in his home. The fact that he was a "Great American Hero" makes knowing him all the more special. After years of service and hard work may you rest in eternal peace in heaven. God Bless you.

John Parsons johnparsons1@suddenlink.net Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 2:49 AM
Having met Doc several years ago, I count myself lucky to have met such an inspiring person. He used to come down to the Wren's Nest when my uncle and I were there. Doc will always be with us. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Sincerely, John Parsons

Willy and Donna Sullivan Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 12:48 AM
Melissa and Tim, We are deeply sorry for your loss. He was a special man and will obviously be missed. I am so glad that you were there by his bedside, that was so important to your Father and to you. We do know your pain dear friends and we are always here for you....always. Love, Willy and Donna

Rad and Diana Mamori Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 11:22 PM
Our condolences to the family. We did not have the privilege of knowing Don personally. We know his daughter Melissa and her husband, Tim Cliver in San Antonio TX. Our families prayers and thought are with you.

John Gulick Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 9:15 PM
I just got the announcement of Chief Kinnard's death from the UDT/SEAL Association today. As a former SEAL of the Vietnam era, I have a special affinity for people like Chief Kinnard - although I never ran across him during my time in UDT-12 and SEAL Team ONE. Hats off to you and him for his service and sacrifice to his country.

Lisa Crawford Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 6:26 PM
My condolences to the family, especially Theresa and Amy. I can see your dad was a wonderful man who lived his life serving others. May you find comfort in your memories of him and may he rest in peace.

CAPT Blane M. Wilson, USN, RET/, VVA ,VFW Life bobcatbmw@earthlink.net Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 5:36 PM
So very sorry to hear of your loss, I served with HMCS Kinnard in Vietnam when I was a Navy Corpsman (HM2) serving with the VN Navy Advisory Group, DaNang, Hoi An Quang Nghi Province. We went on medical missions (MEDCAPS) together with other team members from DaNang's Frogsville. HMCS Kinnard always had something to lift our spirits, even though some of the things we had to do were difficult and always hard to get to. He was a blessing always and his team members always provided wonderful support. May the Lord comfort you in your loss. CAPT Blane Wilson, USN, RET, NAVSTA Rota, Spain

Ted Mosure Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 4:55 PM
To the family: Unfortunately, I did not have the privilege of knowing Don personally. I was stationed in Coronado, California from 1968 through 1971 with Seal Team One. Most of us were coming and going on a regular basis so we didn't know everyone in the community. We lost a really good one with the passing of Don. May God bless him and his family.

Ian Williams williamsiang@yahoo.com Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 4:52 PM
I am saddened by the passing of my grandfather, or Papaw as I called him. I hadn't gotten many chances to talk with him recently and wish I could have spent more time with him. I just hope that now he is having a good time in Heaven and that some time in the future, when I get older, that I may see him in Heaven too along with the rest of our family.

Joe Haynes, Putnam County Commission Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 1:32 PM
It was my great honor to meet and be privileged to associate with Don. He was an extraordinary man and a true American hero. We will not soon see his like. Heaven's gate is a little more secure.

BOBBY J. PASS Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 1:04 PM
I JUST WANT TO THANKS FOR ALL YOU DID

Robert McKnight rjgmck@aol.com Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Please accept my deep and sincere respects and condolences on the passing of your family member, Doc Kinnard. It was my great honor to have served with him in UDT 12 in 1969 on the deployment during which he earned his Navy Cross. I was not actually with Doc in LT Chris Kirkland's detachment but I knew him well, and I remember the delay in the approval of his extremely well deserved Navy Cross, due to his status as a Hospital Corpsman. He was a true hero among the Teams, and that is no small thing. God bless your family in this time of mourning. Rob McKnight

JuanitaBerryWhite Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 11:30 AM


Jack Couture nadoman@gmail.com Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 11:18 AM
I had the privilege of serving with Doc Kinnard as his Commanding Officer in 1969/70 with UDT 12. The Cruise Book of our deployment relates the hand to hand combat resulting in "Doc" receiving the Navy Cross. If you have not seen the Cruise Book of Underwater Demolition Team 12 and would like to, please let me know and I'll mail pertinent pages to you. With heartfelt sympathy for your loss of this great man and American hero.

Chris Gabel Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Thank you for your service to our country.

Diana Poeppelmeyer Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 11:00 AM
I did not know Mr. Kinnard, but I know one of his daughters. Her love for her father and her life is a testimony to the gift he was to her and gifts he shared with her along the way. My condolences to all of his family for your loss. Diana in Austin

patrick garrison Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 10:30 AM
although I personally did not know him..he was a fellow frog. my condolences to the family for their loss pat cosrivron2

Dewey 'DJ' Turley Jr Turley409@aol.com Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 9:47 AM
West Virginia veterans has lost a great friend that will be remembered forever. Don was a special friend to me. Dewey 'DJ Turley Marine Corps League Volunteer Huntington VA Hospital

Erasmo "Doc" Riojas docrio45@gmail.com Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 9:45 AM
See you in Heaven Doc Kinnard. It was an adventure while it lasted. May you Rest in Eternal Peace. Tu amigo, Erasmo "Doc" Riojas ____________________ DEATH Then Almitra spoke, saying, "We would ask now of Death." And he said: You would know the secret of death. But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life? The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light. If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life. For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one. In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond; And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring. Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity. Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honor. Is the sheered not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king? Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling? For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And what is to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered? Only when you drink form the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance. Kahlil Gibran "The Prophet"

Bill, Janet, & Vincent Kresse Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 9:42 AM
We are saddened by the passing of Kinnard, and send our heart felt condolences to ALL of his family and friends, but most especially to Pede and Kim.

Kim and Ted Tapia Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 9:40 AM
Much can be said about Donel Kinnard the warrior. And much can be said of Donel Kinnard the farmer. And much can be said of Donel Kinnard's commitment to the American Veterans. We would like to share what we know and will miss of Donel Kinnard the father. Kim will miss her dad's smile, the twinkle in his eye when biting into a good piece of licorice and his knack for finding a good bargain. Ted will miss visiting with his father-in-law, helping around his farm and enjoying a dish of cornbread and buttermilk with him. Dad, we both love you and will miss you very much. You have moved on to a better place. May you rest in peace.

Owen Stout stout21548@hotmail.com Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 6:21 AM
SEMPER FI

Lisa Groves -Commander & Legionnaires or Post 11 amer_legionpost11@hotmail.com Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 1:41 AM
We at THe Sgt. Jpseph "Joe" Turner American Legion Post 11 of Institute, WV send our deepest sympathy for all of your family. May God bless all of you. Please don't hestitate to call on us if you need us. You can reach us at (304)395-1005.

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