C. McKinney Thompson

   Charles “Kinney” McKinney Thompson, age 82, a lifelong resident of Jewett passed away suddenly at Trinity Hospital in Steubenville, Ohio on December 5, 2022.  Kinney loved his community and referred to Jewett as his “Disney World.”  He was born at home on Rumley St. on March 13, 1940. He was one of three children born to James Milton and Twyla (McAfee) Thompson.

He graduated from Jewett High School and enjoyed playing basketball and football.  Not one to ever be idle, he worked for a local dairy and for his father’s carpentry business.

Kinney married Barbara (Raber) Thompson, his high school sweetheart, on December 4, 1956.  He started his own construction business, “McKinney Thompson & Sons” in 1964, and worked in every community throughout Harrison County and many surrounding counties. Kinney also enjoyed farming, making hay and checking on his cattle. He was devoted to the youth of Harrison County serving on the Harrison Hills School Board for 26 years and the Belmont-Harrison Joint Vocational School Board. He was named Jewett’s Citizen of the Year in 2019. Kinney’s distinctive voice and no-nonsense advice will long be remembered by many. He enjoyed going to auctions, and he was happy as long as he had a full tank of gas.

Kinney is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Barbara (Raber) Thompson as well as his children, Ronald Thompson, Deborah Thompson Tonneson (Dave), Alan Thompson (Sandi) and his eleven grandchildren; Amie Marks Cormell (Eric), Bristin William Marks, Tawny Thompson Haywood(Matt), Roni Thompson Burden (Tyler), Tami Thompson Phelps (Dan), Ryan Thompson (Brooke), LeeAnna Thompson, Alisha Thompson Hovanick (Brock),  James McKinney Thompson, Taylor Thompson, Jaidin Tonneson Kilner (Kyle) and eleven great-grandchildren; Brynn Marks, Jaylee Cook, Maya Cormell, Lanie Cormell, Bryce Marks, Bailey Burden, Jack Haywood, Ava Thompson, Miles Phelps, Lexi Thompson, and Barrett Hovanick. “Papa” Kinney was a devoted grandfather, and loved attending all his grandchildren’s events whether it was a softball game, school carnival, cattle show, or shed hunting competition.

Services will be held at the Jewett Wildcat Center on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mark Statler officiating.  Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery.  Calling hours will also be held at the Wildcat Center on Friday, December 9 from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-9:00 p.m. as well as an hour prior to the service.   Koch Funeral Home, Scio has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Kinney to the Jewett Wildcat Center, P.O. Box 157, 117 Main St., Jewett, OH 43986.

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