Thomas L. Kinsley

Thomas L. Kinsley

On August 26th, with his wife and niece at his side, in his Louisville home, Tom peacefully passed away after an extended illness. He went home to be with Jesus just one week after celebrating his 79th birthday with family and friends.

Born August 18th, 1945 to Edison and Edna Mae Kinsley of Hartville. Tom graduated from Kent State University High School in 1963 where he was a member of the swimming team earning district, state and national awards. He earned his pilot's license when he was just 18 years old. He attended Wichita State University. He then became a flight instructor at McKinley Air Transport at the Akron-Canton Airport and spent time as a corporate pilot. 

His many life experiences led him to his extensive passions for adventures on "Land, Sea and Air". In addition to his career flying, he worked with the Amish building barns and custom dog houses. He also worked in the security industry. He began boating at a young age with his father on the Portage Lakes. He loved skiing. He later boated on Salt Fork then Lake Erie where he and Tillie had jet skis and boats at Bay Point Marina in Marblehead, Ohio. They were both members of the Stark County Power Squadron, Lake Erie Cruising Club and Bay Point Yacht Club. 

Tom loved all animals, especially dolphins. Many of their vacations were spent with Tom swimming in the wide open ocean alongside the dolphins. 

Tom had over 50 years experience in the martial arts. He was an 8th degree Black Belt, Grand Master with numerous national certifications. He loved his time volunteering at the Canton Arts Academy teaching martial arts to the students. He was the founder of The Connection (Women's Personal Protection) in which he and Tillie did presentations, classes, seminars, demos educating hundreds of women and young children about awareness, personal protection skills and how to defend themselves. He did classes for the Louisville Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies. Did presentations and training for employers, networking groups, community centers, Aultman and, Mercy hospitals, YMCA, and churches. He also enjoyed doing graphic design including designing flyers and newsletters for a number of agencies, companies, labor unions and networking groups.

Tom is survived by his loving wife (Matilda) Tillie of nearly 35 years and their beloved fur baby Sergy including many family members of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Tom was an active member of Eastwood Springs Church where he was loved by all for his kindness and sunny smile. His presence will be truly missed. 

He and Tillie are grateful for all the caring neighbors who assisted in his late stage of dementia. A special thank you to the staff of Traditions Health Hospice for their compassionate, loving care. Thank you to all the great personal caregivers who were there when needed. Thanks to the members and friends from the Lucky Stroke Support Group.

His wishes for cremation has taken place and a private memorial is scheduled. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory to can be given to the Stark County Humane Society.

All arrangements entrusted to Heritage Cremation & Burial Society in Louisville, please visit their online guestbook for personal condolences.