Tommy Joe Kinder went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Tom was born on July 18, 1950, in Marfork, West Virginia to Lowell and Julia Kinder.  He graduated from Marsh Fork High School in 1968 where he competed in track, football, and basketball.

On July 18, 1975, he married Lee Ann Hayes, beginning a partnership that would define the rest of his life.  Together they built a home filled with love, laughter (dad-jokes), and unwavering support for their family.  Tom and Lee Ann were longtime residents of South Charleston.

Tom proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, enlisting in 1969 and receiving an honorable discharge in 1973.  After his military service, he began a 45-year career in x-ray sales and service, eventually retiring from XRV Healthcare.  He took pride in his work and the relationships he built over the years.  He was an honorary lifetime member of the West Virginia Society of Radiologic Technologists.

Tom was also a member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 37, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6418, and American Legion Post 73.  Serving in the Honor Guard was especially meaningful to him, as he considered it a privilege to ensure that other veterans were laid to rest with dignity and respect.

Tom never met a stranger.  No matter where he was, Tom always found someone to strike up a conversation with; often stopping to shake the hand of a veteran and thank them for their service.

More than anything, Tom was devoted to his family.  His world revolved around his wife, children, and six grandchildren.  He attended every game, match, recital, concert, ceremony, birthday party, and family gathering possible.  He never missed an opportunity to show up and cheer them on.  Whether it meant long drives, early mornings, or sitting in the cold or the rain, Papa Tom showed up — every time.  His children and grandchildren knew they had their biggest fan in the stands.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lee Ann; his sister, Virginia Belle Keyes; and his infant brother, Steven Anthony Kinder.

He is survived by his son, Corey Kinder and wife Melanie; daughter, Kasey Corbet and husband Seth; and his cherished grandchildren, Harper Corbet, Weston, Corbet, Kellen Kinder, Rider Corbet, Sutton Kinder, and Rowan Kinder.  He is also survived by his brothers, Paul Kinder, Mike Kinder, Sammy Kinder, and Johnny Kinder; and his sisters, Judy Kinder and Kay Coots.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar with burial to follow in Grandview Memorial Park.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Monongalia Emergency Medical Services (Mon EMS, 801 JD Anderson Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505) or Different Jerseys - One Team #Team Cayden (www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/different-jerseys-one-team-teamcayden).