Leeson Riley Kinney

Leeson (Lee) Riley Kinney 61, passed away Sunday, December 11, 2022 at his home. Lee was born September 6, 1961 in Pocatello, Idaho to Leo and Verdean Kinney and was the youngest of three children.

He attended school in Pocatello, Idaho and graduated from Highland High School in 1979. Lee met Tawnie Wigington in 1985 and had a son Keller Kinney. Lee and Tawnie later separated. In June of 1988, he then married Melanie Hendricks, the love of his life. Lee and Melanie had two sons, Colten and Carsen Kinney. Lee worked at various jobs until he was employed at Guy Neilson, where he was a brick layer from 1987 – 2004. Lee then started his own business, LK Masonry, with his two sons Keller and Colten Kinney.

Lee enjoyed taking his dogs for walks, cooking, fishing and taking long drives. Lee never had much of a filter. He loved joking around and giving others a hard time, which was always good for a laugh. He enjoyed hanging out with family and friends; loved grilling and having bonfires in his backyard firepit. He especially loved the 4th of July and setting off fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Lee’s favorite football team is the Indianaoplis Colts and favorite baseball team is the Cleveland Indians.

He is survived by his children and their significant others Keller Kinney (Veronica Morgan), Colten Kinney (Nesa Kinney) and Carsen Kinney, all from Pocatello, Idaho; his sisters Julie Kinney Bithell (Mike Bithell), Las Vegas, Nevada and Krista Kinney Mendenhall, Mackay, Idaho and his four grandchildren Angelina Contreras, Silas Ignace, Nevaeh Beasley, Melanie Kinney and numerous nieces and nephews and a very close family friend Jeff Wood, as well as his dog Xena.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Verdean Kinney; his lovely wife, Melanie Hendricks Kinney; his friend Monte Rasmussen, his cat Martha and his two dogs, Betsy and Shilo.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. We hope that everyone who knew and loved Leeson Riley Kinney will join us then.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family under the Tribute Wall tab above. 

Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I’m not there, I do not sleep.

I am in a thousand winds that blow,

I am the softly falling snow.

I am the gentle showers of rain,

I am the fields of ripening grain.

I am in the morning hush,

I am in the graceful rush

Of beautiful birds in circling flight,

I am the starshine of the night.

I am in the flowers that bloom,

I am in a quiet room.

I am in the birds that sing,

I am in each lovely thing.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there. I have not left.