David M. Kinney

David Michael Kinney, 83, of Bowerston, Ohio, passed away at Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital in Dover, Ohio on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, following a brief illness. Born December 13, 1942 near Zanesville, Ohio, he was the last surviving child of the late Beeman Kinney and Elaine (née Yarnell) Kinney Bridges, having been preceded in death by his brother and sister.

David was a 1960 graduate of Malta-McConnelsville High School and a 1970 graduate of Ohio University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, preparing him for his long career as an educator and band director – beginning even before his graduation. A gifted musician, David’s primary instruments were saxophone and clarinet, but he was able to pick up and play (and teach) every instrument in the marching band.

On August 20, 1966, David married Karen J. (née Dugan) Kinney with whom he was looking forward to celebrating 60 years of loving marriage this summer. He is also survived by their two sons, Jim (JeriLynn) Kinney and Steve Kinney; granddaughters, Emily Kinney, Macey Kinney, and Riley (fiancé, Matthew Hiatt) Kinney; great-grandson, Zealand Kinney; and an extended family which includes a number of in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

David and his family made their home in several Ohio communities over the years, as his career took him to different school districts. He began at Waterford School District before moving to Newport, Ohio where he was employed by Frontier School District. For much of the ‘70s, they made their home in Crooksville while he taught at Crooksville Exempted School District. Then, it was on to Mingo Junction where they lived in the early ‘80s as he taught at the former Buckeye North High School (now Buckeye Local Schools) in Brilliant, Ohio. Finally, they settled in Bowerston in 1984 where they stayed after his retirement from Conotton Valley High School in 1994.

He loved teaching, especially in his duties as a marching band director. In retirement, he continued to substitute teach for Conotton Valley High School, as well as for a period of time as the English teacher at Buckeye Career Center. David was also a judge at many marching band competitions. He shared his talents with a number of other organizations over the years, including playing with the Dominic Greco Band in Tuscarawas County and in the pit orchestra for community theater in Zanesville.

David was probably happiest when pursuing his favorite pastime – bass fishing. He spent countless hours either actively fishing in local and regional tournaments or preparing for fishing season in the winters. He was also an avid supporter of The Ohio State University’s world famous marching band, and one of his happiest memories was when his eldest son dotted the “I” during the script Ohio. He was proud to have both a son and a granddaughter as OSU graduates.

According to David’s wishes, he will be cremated before being interred in Longview Cemetery in Bowerston. A graveside service will be held on a future date, and this website will be updated when details are confirmed. Those wishing to honor his memory by a charitable donation are encouraged to do so to their favorite charity, in lieu of flowers.