Dr. Floyd Kinsinger

Dr. Floyd Kinsinger

“What is the measure of a man?”  The answer to this profound question is found in the Old Testament book of Micah, “The measure of a man is to do justly,  to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God”  These words typify the lifestyle of Dr. Floyd E. Kinsinger born in Ness City, Kansas January 17, 1925.  He passed away in St. George, Utah August 17, 2017. The cause of death was simply “old age”.

Floyd graduated from Ness City Kansas High School in the spring of 1943 where he was active in sports and other school activities.  He lettered in both football and basketball.  He graduated with honors as the Salutatorian of his class.

The day after graduation Floyd joined the United States Navy.  He was chosen to serve in the Naval Air Force where he became a bombardier.  His longest tour of duty was in the Philippine Islands.  After the war was over, Floyd re-enlisted for another tour of duty.  He served a total of 4 1/2 years as a proud member of the United States Naval Air Force.

Following his discharge, Floyd returned to Ness City, Kansas.  He was determined to attend college so he enrolled at Fort Hays Kansas State College (now a university) where he studied Botany and Chemistry.  He graduated from Fort Hays in the spring of 1952.  He achieved many honors as a student.  He earned a B.S. degree in both botany and chemistry.  After 5 years of study at Fort Hays, Floyd earned a Master Degree in Botany with a minor degree in chemistry.  Following his graduation he was given the opportunity to further his education at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.  He earned his PhD degree in Range Management.

Because of Floyd’s reputation as a superior student in his academic life he became an assistant professor of Range Management at the University of Nevada.  He served in that position for 6 years.  He was added to the staff in the Botany Department at his Alma Mater - Fort Hays Kansas State College.  In both schools, he not only taught but conducted range research.

In the late summer of 1963, a representative from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) approached Floyd and offered him a position in the Washington, D.C. office of the Bureau.  He accepted the position and remained with the Bureau for 22 years.  He was assigned a position in Denver, Colorado and he remained in Denver until he retired in 1979.

The one professional organization that brought Floyd the most pleasure was the Society for Range Management.  He served as the 25th president.  During his tenure as president. he was invited to present papers regarding the work of the society in many places all over the world.  The U.S. State Department asked him to go to Nigeria, Australia, and Somalia to work as a consultant.

One major life changing experience took place while he was a student at Fort Hays Kansas State College, Floyd met a very shy redhead on campus.  Her name was Frances, they were married on August 20, 1950 and have remained life long friends.  They will celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary August 20th.

Floyd and Frances have two charming red-haired daughters: Ruthann Shelley (Dean) and Janet Hunter (Bruce, deceased).  They have 3 grandchildren Steven, Jennifer and Sean.  The grandchildren in turn had a total of 11 great grandchildren.

Most of Floyd’s moral and ethical values were formed as a result of the “Great Depression”.  His mother, Ruth, had tremendous influence on him.  She introduced Floyd to the “Almighty God”, taught him to be grateful, kind, and thoughtful of the needs of others.  It was not until later in life that Floyd recognized Christ as his Savior & Lord.  He has always been a devout Christian.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 10:00am at Tonaquint Cemetery 1770 S. Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.

The family would like to thank Dixie Home Rehab & Hospice and a special thanks to Derrick and Ashleigh.