Howard C. "Sonny" Kinney, 68, passed away peacefully in Centralia, Saturday, May 22, 2021. He was born in Seattle, Wash., Nov. 19, 1952. Howard graduated from Centralia High School in 1971.
He is survived by his sons, Christopher J. Kinney of Centralia, Wash., and Joshua James Kinney of St. John, Wash.; mother, Shirley A. Solomon of Napavine, Wash.; brother, Dean Timothy Kinney of Olympia, Wash.; stepsister, Marci Solomon of Tacoma, Wash.; step-niece, Amber Allosada of Lacey, Wash.; grandchildren, Casey Wayne Kinney, Joseph Dean Kinney, and Bruce Michael Kinney of Airway Height, Wash.; and his beloved dog, Riley.
He is preceded in death by his infant son, Jeremy Wayne Kinney; father, Howard R. Kinney; stepmother, Joanne Kinney; his stepfather, Mike Solomon Sr.; and stepbrother, Mike Solomon Jr.
He began his working career at Eddins Ford in Centralia. There, his love of Mustangs grew into him owning a 1969 Mach I Mustang, and a 1964 and 1/2 Mustang Coupe. Prior to his classic car purchase, he was forced to drive the family four door classic red Rambler in order to obtain his drivers license. His brother, Dean, said he would take it on side roads so his high school friends did not see what he was learning to drive in and make fun of him!
After his marriage to Connie Grove in 1979, he resided at Agnew Lumber Mill and they both worked as overnight security guards. In his later years, he had been employed by King Solomon’s Restaurants, Centralia and Olympia, and developed many life long friendships. Sonny’s love of people kept his friendships strong with the frequent "coffee drinking" at King Solomon’s, Sunbirds, Denny’s, and most recently, Centerville Café. Sonny had a heart of gold, and would help anyone for any reason. He will be sorely missed by his friends and his family can still hear his infectious laugh.
The family will have a celebration of life at the family home, at a later date.
