John Stuart Kinzel

John Stuart Kinzel, age 76, died peacefully in the arms of family on March 7, 2021 at his home in Memphis, TN after a courageous battle with cancer. John was born on November 14, 1944 to Wilfred and Dorothy Kinzel in Memphis, TN. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as Aircraft Commander in the UH-1H Helicopter (Huey). He served with the 119th Assault Helicopter Company (1967-1968) where he earned 17 air medals and a Purple Heart. After serving in Vietnam, John became an Instrument Instructor pilot (Flight Standards) at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, GA. John had a successful career as a human resource executive for Rockwell International’s power tool division and later Delta International machinery. Following a successful career in corporate America, John became a founding partner of Bosco’s Restaurant and Brewery & Ghost River Brewing. John enjoyed time in the simple pleasures of reading, fishing and Moon Lake living, making memories with family and friends. John is survived by his wife, Janet Lee Kinzel, his children Stephen Lee (Ashlie), David Lee (Emilie) and Suzanne Phelps (Jeff), his 8 adoring grandchildren (Hayden, Jordan, Caroline, Logan, Olivia, Ethan, Andrew & Elliott) and nieces, Laura King (Steve), Katherine Lane (Tom) and Mellissa Ferrone (Danny). Family and friends are invited to celebrate the amazing life of John at the Tabernacle Cemetery (3000 Tabernacle Rd., Brownsville, TN 38012) on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 2:30 P.M. with Dr. Joe Thornton officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tabernacle United Methodist Church, c/o Betsy Thornton, 57 Old Hwy 19, Brownsville, TN 38012, or to the Wounded Warrior Project woundedwarriorproject.org. All services and arrangements are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville, TN.