Morris E. Hinkens, 76

Morris E. Hinken, 76, of 102 Katy Circle, went to his heavenly home on January 30, 2014, after a valiant 8- l/2 year fight against a blood disorder surrounded by his family.

Earl B. Hinken and Dorothy Morris Hinken welcomed their only child, Morris Evans Hinken, on December 8, 1937 at their family farm home near Green Ridge. Morris lived in the Green Ridge community until he was 7 years old when his family moved to Osage and then Gasconade County, MO in eastern Missouri. His first school teacher was his mother in a one-room school at Bryson.  He also attended schools at Bonnots Mill, Linn, Mt. Sterling and Owensville.  In 1952, the family moved back to Pettis County and Morris graduated from Green Ridge High School in 1955.

Upon graduation, Morris was employed at the Green Ridge Farmers and Merchants Bank until he enlisted in the Army in October of 1956.   He spent the largest part of his tour of duty in Korea where he was assigned to the 304 Signal Battalion (Opr) until his discharge in 1962.

Following active duty, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Gwendolyn Arnett on August 15, 1958 at Camp Branch Baptist Church who survives the home.  They celebrated over 55 years of marriage together.   This union was blessed with the gift of three daughters; Evann June, Jeannine Allyson and JoAnna Gwen. The family grew with three sons-in-law; Tony Clayton, Joe Dove and Larry Young.  Grandchildren, the apple of his eye, were born to increase his fullness of life.  Callie Bishop (Craig), Carrie Sherer (Blake), Austin Clayton, Ciara and MaKayla Dove, Milo and Molly Young.  He is also survived by 2 great grandchildren; Lilah Walker and Adler Bishop.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Colt E. Clayton.

Morris was civic minded and engaged in many organizations.  He was a former Mayor of Green Ridge.  He served as a member of the Green Ridge R-VIII School Board, Pettis County Soil and Water Conservation Board, University Extension Council, Green Ridge Cemetery Board for over 30 years and Green Ridge Homes Board.  He was a member and Past Master of Green Ridge Lodge #425 AF&AM; Past Patron of Green Ridge Lodge #306 OES; member of Granite Lodge #272 AF&AM, receiving a 50 year pen in 2010; Warrensburg Chapter #3 OES; Life member VFW Post 2591; Life member Korean War Veterans Association; member of Voiture 333 40&8 and George T. Murphy American Legion Post 491. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Sedalia.

Morris was employed in various occupations including warehouse worker, Insurance salesman and truck driver.  But the love of the farm was paramount and he farmed until 1988.  He later turned the farm operation over to one of the young men whom he had trained in the love of farming.  Morris later was employed at Interstate Studios where he was a printer/supervisor for 25 years.

Morris had a special love of travel, which began as a youngster with his parents and grandmother Myrtle which continued as an adult.  He traveled to all 50 states and many foreign countries.  He was interested in family genealogy.  He was also interested in Green Ridge Cemetery records; and gathered a wealth of information which he and placed on the internet.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2014 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia. Memorial services will be held at the Sedalia Celebration Center/First United Methodist Church on February 3, 2014 10:30 am.  Interment will be at the Green Ridge Cemetery with Military Services.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be given to the Green Ridge Alumni Association Scholarship Fund and Green Ridge Cemetery Association.

Online condolences to the family at www.reafuneralservice.com