Dr. Kinch Jones

Dr. Kinch T. Jones, a revered Optometrist and beloved member of the Park Hills community, passed away September 2, 2024 at the age of 84. Born on February 11, 1940, in Ottawa, Illinois, Kinch was the cherished son of the late John Samuel and Edith Marie (Turner) Jones. 

Kinch grew up near Harrisburg, Illinois where he graduated from Harrisburg High School. He received his Pre-Med degree from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky and pursued his Doctorate at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee where he graduated in 1963. While in Doctorate school, he met the love of his life Joyce Price in 1960. After receiving his Doctorate, he entered the United States Army from 1963-1966 where he was stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. On July 21, 1966, Dr. Jones opened his practice in Flat River where he had a successful career. After 25 years in optometry, he sold the business to Dr. Evan T. Williams in 1991, where he stayed on to work part-time.

Kinch loved being an entrepreneur. He was involved in the creation of numerous businesses in St. Francois County, including Bonne Terre Dairy Queen, Country Meadows Nursing Home, Kim-San Apartments and other rental properties. He donated the land for the development of Parkway Drive interchange from Saint Joe Drive to Highway 67 and also donated the land for Haney Park Soccer Fields in Park Hills. 

Kinch was a current member of First United Methodist Church in Park Hills and the Elks Lodge in Farmington. He served on several boards including Mineral Area College where he was elected President and First State Community Bank. He was a past member of the Lions Club. 

Following retirement, Kinch found solace at his farm in Farmington where he raised cattle and his daughter’s horses. He also found time to volunteer with “Meals On Wheels” in Park Hills with his wife. One of Kinch’s favorite hobbies was actively trading on the stock market. He spent numerous hours researching and trading stocks. He also loved spending time in Florida with his two daughters and four grandchildren. As an avid Missouri Tiger fan, Kinch started going to football games in Columbia in 1975. He and Joyce enjoyed tailgating with family and numerous friends from the area. Kinch also enjoyed the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. 

Kinch is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Joyce (Price) Jones, and his adoring daughters, Dr. Kimberly Broome and husband Dr. Frank Anthony Broome III, Sandra Leigh McCaffrey and husband Brian; four grandchildren, Frank Anthony Broome IV, Chase Victoria Broome, Colin Kinch Broome and Jessica Larkin McCaffrey along with several special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, Kinch's memory will forever be treasured by his family and friends. 

A memorial visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Friday, September 6, 2024, from 3:00 PM until the service time of 6:00 PM. Pastor Cindy Sadler will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in honor of his memory to “Meals On Wheels,” Park Hills Nutrition Center or First United Methodist Church in Park Hills.