Rayburn Buck Kinnison, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Bethalto on Monday, April 28, 2025. He was surrounded by his family.
Buck was born on December 17, 1934, in Zuma, Missouri, to Ruddle and Ruby (Harwood) Kinnison. He graduated from Zalma HS where he attended school reunions every spring throughout his life. Buck married his high school sweetheart, Carol Rae Looney on May 15, 1954, eloping to Tunica, Mississippi. The couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last May. She survives.
Buck proudly served his country for a time in the United States Navy and provided for his family as a Teamster truck driver for 40 years, retiring in 1996. He was a 69-year member of the Bethalto Masonic Lodge #406, where he loved spending free time and served as a past Master on four occasions. He was also a member and former president of the Alt-Wood Shriners and a n avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He will be missed by the gang of friends at Bethalto McDonald's and the Rock Steady Boxing Club at Senior Citizens of Alton.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Rocky (Kay) Kennison of Gillespie, and Lisa (Darren) Costin of Staunton; five grandchildren, Tori (Corey) Hall, Cody Devoto, Nicole (Vishal) Goswami, Sean (Sydney) Costin, and Danielle Kinnison; fourteen great-grandchildren, Madison, Logan, Jaydon, Zander, Joelle, Corey, Theoren, Milliana, Willa, Rowan, Anali, Leela, Ellis, and Stella; one great-great-granddaughter, Anastasisa; and a half-brother, RayGene Tackett.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank and Devere Kinnison; a daughter, Dana; granddaughter, Darcie; and a half-sister, Barbara Tackett.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 2 pm to 5 pm, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. Masonic Service will be at 3 pm, performed by Bethalto Masonic Lodge # 406.
Visitation will continue on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 12 pm until time of service at 1 pm, at Morgan Funeral Home in Advance, Missouri. Burial will follow at Morgan Memorial Park in Advance, Missouri.
Memorials are suggested to Shriner's Hospital for Children.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
