The  Valparaiso  Vidette-Messenger
October 13, 1960
Page 1
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LEO  KINMAN,  OF  V-M  STAFF,
DIES
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           Leo M. Kinman, 59. a member of  The Vidette- Messenger  advertising department and one of the state's outstanding figures in political and editorial circles, died at 12:05 p. m. Wednesday at Hines Veterans Administration hospital, Hines, Ill., after a lingering illness.  He resided here at 208 Washington street.   Kinman had been released from the hospital last Friday following surgery for an internal disorder. He became critically ill Tuesday afternoon and was rushed by ambulance to Hines, where he failed to respond to emergency surgery.   In the newspaper business, both editorial and commercial, for 40 years, Kinman came to Valparaiso in August, 1951, when he assumed his position in  The Vidette-Messenger's  advertising department. In recent months because of his talent as a political writer and observer, he wrote the outstanding and always interesting column "It Seems To Me."
Started In Bloomlngton
          No more imposing array of rewards for business, editorial and political ability were ever bestowed upon a native Hoosier than were achieved by Leo Kinman.   Born in Tennyson, Ind., June 19, 1901, the son of  J. P. and  Eliza Ellen (Fleener) Kinman, his first contact with printer's ink was in Bloomington, Ind., where he quickly rose from an apprentice to an ad compositor. After gaining added knowledge at Chippewa Falls, Wis., and Harvard, Ill. Kinman came to Shelbyville where for a span of 23 years he gained the stature which stamped him as one of the state's outstanding Republicans and newspapermen.
Career Varied
          During his tenure in Shelbyville, Kinman served from ad compositor to advertising manager of the Shelbyville Republican; advertising manager of the Shelbyville Democrat, editor-in-chief of the Shelbyville Republican; and managing editor and
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chief editorial writer for the two papers which merged as the independent Shelbyville News.   Starting in 1944 and for three consecutive terms he was elected chairman of the Shelby county Republican party.  He was a member of Shelbyville board of education from 1937-40; manager of  radio station WSRK in Shelbyville in 1948-49; and operated a commercial printing plant there for two years before coming to Valparaiso in 1951.
Headed GOP Papers
          Honored for his services throughout the slate, Kinman served as president of the Republican Editorial association 1944-45, and to date is believed to be the only editor in  the state to three times win the Republican State committee's trophy for the best editorial of the year and best service to the party.   In recognition for his public efforts Kinman served 10 years on the board of the State Department of Public Welfare, holding the post of president from 1947-48.  He was initially appointed in 1944 by Gov. Gates, with reappointments by both Gates .and Gov. Henry Schricker.   His talent as a political writer attracted the attention of  Sen. William E. Jenner, for whom he managed a successful candidacy to the United States Senate in 1946.  He also wrote publicity for Sen. Jenner's 1948 gubernatorial candidacy, writing many of his speeches both political and non- political.   In 1944 Kinman  was appointed to the Republican convention platform committee.
In Politics Book
          It was befitting to this man, who had devoted his talents to state and community, that he be paragraphed in "Who's Who in U. S. Polities" in 1950.   He was a member of the Valparaiso First Presbyterian church, Elks club, American Legion and 40 and 8 service organizations.   Surviving are a son, M/Sgt. Wilford Kinman, Holloman Air Force base, New Mexico; a grandson, Woody Lee Kinman; and a brother, Col. Guy Kinman, USAR, Fayetteville, Ark.  His wife, Ruby, two brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.
Rites On Saturday
          Funeral services will be held in the Bartholomew Funeral home at 10 a. m. Saturday, with the Rev. Oliver Stern, First Presbyterian church, officiating.   Pallbearers will  be  Avery B. Weaver,  Robert L. Bibler,  Vince Anderson,  Charles Keller,  Dwaine Willett and  Rollie Barnhart.   The body will be taken to Shelbyville, where graveside services will be held in Blue Ridge cemetery at 3 p. m. (CDT).   Friends .may call at the Bartholomew Funeral  home after 4 p. m. Friday.
EULOGY  TO  LEO
          He was a great man; a man with a great reputation; yet his greatness was not born on egotism.  His smile was for the big and the small; his helping hand for everyone without thought of remuneration.  He was polite, gallant, forever thoughtful of the feelings of others.  He walked with a military straightness even when severe pain wracked his body.  His was a pride and a character which Our Maker bestows on few men. May God grant you peace, Leo. We'll all miss you. — A V-M Staffer.
Contributed by John Ballard

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