Billy Gene Kinder

Billy Gene Kinder, 79, Rockford, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. He was born in Swifton, Arkansas, the son of Carl and Imogene (Jones) Kinder. Billy married Darlene Lorenz and she passed away in July of 2014. He worked as a machinist for Advanced Machine and Engineering for many years. After his retirement he worked as a delivery driver for Cherry Blossom Florist. Billy was a crystal and rock enthusiast and an avid coin collector. He enjoyed going to garage sales. He took great pride in his pond and his garden, he was even awarded the neighborhood “Yard of the Month”. He enjoyed his vacations to Hayward and trips to Arkansas to visit his family. He dedicated his life to putting a smile on the faces of the people around him. 

Survived by his children, Joe (Denise) Kinder, Bob Kinder, Tim Kinder, his daughter, who in his eyes could do no wrong, Jo-Dee (Mike) Olds and Billy (Serena) Kinder; his 13 grandchildren, Alec and Aiden Kinder, Samuel and Kamille Kinder, Brianna (Tess Bottorff) Kinder, Ashlee, Caitlyn and TJ Kinder, Mitchell, KD and Matthew Olds, Bella, Gwen and Maddy Kinder, Ian Malone; great-granddaughter, Violet Darlene Olds; siblings, Betty, Gene (Sue), Joyce (Jerry), Wanda (Dave),Johnny (Patsy) and Eddie; many beloved nieces and nephews. Special thanks to his grandson, Mitchell Olds, for caring for his grandpa over the last several months. Predeceased by his wife, Darlene; his parents; his grandson, Greyson Kinder and 2 siblings, Charles and Frankie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.