Arthur Kinsey

Arthur John Kinsey, 71, passed away at the Ovid Healthcare Center, on Wednesday, April 2, 2008. Funeral services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Jennings-Lyons Chapel, Saturday, April 5, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. David A. Russell officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, April 3, 2008, and Friday, April 4, 2008, from 2 – 8 p.m. with the family present 2-4 and 6 – 8 p.m.

In 1964, Art married Sharon Woodbury, daughter of Joe and Dolores Woodbury. She taught school for 30 years and they have one son, Scott Kinsey, who is a professional musician. Both Art and Sharon are members of the First United Methodist Church in Owosso.

Art grew up in a small farming community of Brant, Michigan, the son of Leslie and Lulu (Salzwedel) Kinsey. He attended the Lombocker School, a one-room schoolhouse, from kindergarten through 8th grade with Mrs. Eleanor Thurston, as his teacher. It was not unusual for the children to trek ½ miles even in the worst winter conditions to arrive at school. Art graduated from Chesaning High School and also DeVry Tech in Chicago, Illinois.

Art had many interests, which included being an instrument rated pilot and flying many trips with his family and friends. He taught IFR classes at the airport. He played piano in a dance band called The Notables almost every weekend for many different occasions. Art was also very accomplished on the organ. Another hobby was photography. Having a darkroom at home was an enjoyable way to make color photographs to record the highlights of many trips. Art had a recording business on the side called Art Sound. He recorded MSBOA District V Festivals for over 30 years. Art could be seen taping many band concerts in the community. He was proud of his Sony and Neumann microphones and his state-of-the-art digital equipment and strived to produce the highest possible sound quality.

He was most noted, however, as the broadcaster on WOAP FM radio for 30 years, becoming the manger the last 10 years. His service to the community was ongoing from announcing the Curwood parade every June, hosting the WOAP cooking schools at the Junior High, which were very popular with the ladies and spinning records every afternoon on "Art's Carousel." Art also had a fascinating talk show; live on the air, called Prism where he would spontaneously interview people from all walks of life. It was very popular with the listening audience. He would also have representatives from the Shiawassee Humane Society come to the station with a dog hoping to find placement. Often, the dog would bark right on cue, which made everyone laugh. There was never a dull moment at the station!
Art was very active with the Owosso Kiwanis Club helping with many community projects, eventually climbing the steps to presidency. Art was very interested in supporting youth and anyone who needed a lending hand.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon Kinsey of Owosso Township, MI; son, Scott Kinsey of Encino, CA; Sister in law & family, Karolyn & Dennis Holmgren of Flint Township, MI; Teresa Holmgren of Fenton, MI and Brian Holmgren of Flint, MI. Also, brother in law & family, John and Jill Allen of Flint Township, MI; Jeanna Allen, Joe & Katie Allen of Canton, MI and baby Ki Allen; brother in law & family, John & Darlene Woodbury of Owosso Township, MI; Mark & Jackie Woodbury of Owosso, MI; Cathy Woodbury and Lori Woodbury of West Palm Beach, FL. Numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Art's side of the family, brother, Walter & Kathleen Kinsey and their children, Mark & Jennifer and Marina Kinsey of Port Orange, FL; Lisa Kinsey & Karson of St. Johns, MI; Lori & Kevin Kingsbury, Zete, Nicolas, Alayna of Elkhart, IN. His sister, Norita and Roy Henley of Oakley, MI and their children and family, Leon & Nancy Flores, Joseph & Naomi of St. Charles, Michigan. Six step brothers and sisters, Doris Wilkie of St. Johns, MI; Lloyd & Kathy Peck of Bannister, MI, Florence & Jerry Baulis; many aunts, uncles and cousins, Ashley, Richard & Linda Peck of Chesaning, MI; Carol Peck of Caro, MI; Betty Muscott of Ashley, MI.

He was predeceased by parents; grandparents; Richard &Lucile Phelps; R.G. Peck; stepbrother, Gordon Peck; step-father, Arlie Peck.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Shiawassee County Humane Society.
On line condolences can be sent to smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Jennings-Lyons Chapel, Owosso, Michigan.


Read Arthur Kinsey's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.