Byron W. Kinney, 96, died April 28, 2021 at Westminster Place, Presbyterian Homes, Evanston, IL.

Byron was born in Danville, IL on June 11, 1924, the middle of three sons of John Curtis Kinney and Ethel A. (Dettman) Kinney. He graduated from Danville High School in 1942, the first class to graduate after Pearl Harbor.

After a semester at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and with war looming, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. He trained as a B-24 and B-29 Bomber pilot, receiving his wings in 1944 at West Point at the age of 19. He was assigned to the new B-29 Wing based on Guam. With the war nearly over, Byron’s crew flew supply drops to American POWs in Japanese prison camps. One of these POW supply missions would come to play an important role much later in his life.

After the war, Byron returned to Northwestern and earned a business degree in 1949. A 38-year career in sales, marketing, and advertising followed at Bell and Howell, Presbyterian Life Magazine and Encyclopaedia Britannica Educational Corporation.

In 1955, he married Frances Eshbach of Kenilworth, IL. They settled in Wilmette and raised two children, Bruce and Elaine. They joined Northminster Presbyterian Church in Evanston, where over the years Byron would take on many church leadership roles, including Adult Education Chair, Elder, Deacon, and volunteer “Grandpa” at the church preschool.

After retirement in 1987, Byron and Frances enjoyed traveling and genealogical research on their families. They started writing groups both amongst friends and within the North Suburban Genealogical Society to foster creative writing about their lives and family histories. They also enjoyed playing golf, watching Northwestern football, and playing with their two grandchildren.

In 1985, 40 years after dropping life-saving supplies to a POW camp in Naoetsu, Japan, a long-awaited meeting between Byron and Louis Zamperini, a well-known Olympic athlete and POW at that camp, became reality. Byron and Louis became lifelong friends. Byron wrote about and gave many well-received lecture programs based on his unlikely connection with Louis. He collaborated with Louis and with author Laura Hillenbrand on the bestselling book Unbroken, Louis’ life story.

In 2003, Byron and Frances moved to Westminster Place in Evanston, IL, where they enjoyed many years among good friends and new acquaintances. Byron was a leader in the Couples Group. Byron had a very friendly smile and conversation for everyone. He enjoyed people and especially children. He served his country and his community, but above all, his lifelong involvement in the church as God’s servant helped him become a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend to many.

Byron was predeceased by his two brothers, Burton Kinney of Tucson, AZ, and Marvin Kinney of Sun City West, AZ.

Byron is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Frances Kinney; son Bruce (Regina) Kinney of Amherst, NH; daughter Elaine Kinney of Dallas, TX; and grandchildren Carly Kinney and Alex Kinney, both living near Boston, MA.

A private committal service will be held at the Kenilworth Union Church in early June. A memorial service will be held at Northminster Presbyterian Church later in the year. Donations in his name may be made to Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2515 Central Park Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, or to Honor Flight, Box L-4016, Columbus, OH 43260-4016.