March 13, 1936 – February 17, 2023
Frederick Walter “Fred” Kinkead, 86, Sheridan, passed away on Friday afternoon, February 17, 2023, at Wellbrooke of Westfield. Born on March 13, 1936, in Boone County, he was the son of the late Clyde and Minnie (Parks) Kinkead.
After his years at Sheridan High School were complete, Fred entered the workforce, hiring on with Chrysler Electrical in Indianapolis. He worked as both a millwright and forklift mechanic for 37 years, retiring in 1991. During those years, he also spent a fair amount of time at his brother Bill’s service station, Kinkead’s Union 76, on Main Street in Sheridan, helping fix stuff in the garage, and solving the problems of the world with anyone who stopped by for an “education.” Many tall tales were spun up there by the pop machine, and Fred was usually right in the thick of it. Retirement never seemed to set well with Fred, so after the Union 76 closed its doors, he made his way across town to his other brother’s shop, the red barn on State Road 47, to help Jim work on lawn mowers and small engines.
Fred was a proud member of the UAW Local 1226 and an active member of the K.V. Elliot Post 67 Sons of the American Legion in Sheridan.
As much as Fred loved to tinker with stuff in the garage, he also enjoyed spending time outdoors. He liked boating and camping, as well as fishing and hunting for quail and pheasant. Auto racing was also another favorite. He followed NASCAR and IndyCar, and always looked forward to the month of May … especially Carb Day.
By far, Fred’s favorite thing to do was talk to people. No matter how long or short your conversation was, you were probably going to leave with a smile on your face. Even as his health started to decline, Fred never lost his ability to brighten peoples’ days. He became the unofficial greeter for Wellbrooke, holding court inside by the fireplace, or outside when the weather was nice. He was so good in his new role that even the squirrels would come by to spend some quality time with Fred … although the peanut bribery probably helped a bit.
Family was the most important thing in Fred’s life, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them.
Fred is survived by his two sons, Frederick “Freddie D.” Kinkead (Shirley) of Sheridan, and Robbie Kinkead (Michelle) of Sheridan; two daughters, Barbara J. Roberts (Mike Decker) of Westfield, and Kathy Goodnight (Brian) of Westfield; seven grandchildren, Melissa Kinkead-Stern, Kim Kinkead-Jones, Rodney Kinkead, Brad Roberts (Sarah), Jared Roberts (Nicole), Adam Goodnight (Lisa), and Shelby Goodnight-Geist (Nathan); 17 great-grandchildren, Paige Popejoy (Jared), Jada Neff, Taylor Stern, Brenden Jones (Rebecca), Blake Jones, Kara Jones, Elijah Kinkead, Isaiah Kinkead, Maddie Roberts, Clay Roberts, Kherington Roberts, Ellie Roberts, Marleigh Roberts, Cohen Roberts, Jameson Goodnight, Beckett Goodnight, and Baby Geist (due in March); one great-great-grandchild, Dutton Popejoy; two bonus grandchildren, Holden Henderson and Christopher Mourey; brother-in-law, William Rich of Noblesville; sisters-in-law, Linda Thompson (Otis) of Somerset, Ky., Linda Rich of Westfield, and Shirley Kinkead of Sheridan; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Minnie (Parks) Kinkead; sister, Mary Jane Adams; brothers, Charles, Robert, Harold, Ray, Ralph, Wilbur, Bill, Richard, and Jimmy Kinkead; brothers-in-law, Jim Rich, and Larry Rich; and by his loving wife, Julia Ann “Judy” Rich-Kinkead on December 8, 2012. She and Fred were married on July 27, 1956.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Wright-Bethel Cemetery in Waugh, Ind. Reverend V.J. Stover will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the Sons of the American Legion, K.V. Elliott Post 67, Sheridan.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com