Roland Gerald Kinsman II "Skip", 90, of Elkhart, IN went home to his Heavenly Father on  February 25, 2024 in Haines City, FL while surrounded by family.

Skip was born in Zion, IL on February 11, 1934 to the late, Roland Thomas Kinsman and Gladys (Schoepp) Kinsman. Skip married the love of his life, Alice Marie Hunt  on June 7, 1958  at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Zion, Il.

Skip is survived by his wife of 66  years, Alice  Kinsman; brother, Gary Kinsman of Illinois, and 6 children, 18 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Children are:  Lynne (Dr. Robert) Andrews of Chicago, IL, Laurel Kinsman of Elkhart, Roland Jerald, III.(Pamela) Kinsman,  of Mishawaka, IN, Mark (Susan) Kinsman of Kenosha, WI, Alisa (Dr. James) Bennett,II of Elkhart and Eric, Esq (Kristine) Kinsman of Elkhart.

Grandchildren are: Jacob (Abigail) Andrews, David (Sarah) Andrews, Benjamin Andrews, Samuel Andrews, Rebekah Kinsman, Jessica Kinsman, Roland David Kinsman, IV (Hannah),  Sarah (Hugo) Bussy, Matthew McDonald, Elisabeth Kinsman, Kristin Kinsman, James (Katherine) Bennett,III, Jonathan (Annie) Bennett, Matthew (Carrie) Kinsman, Elizabeth (Scott) Gidman, Emily Kinsman, Erica Kinsman and Thomas Kinsman.

Great grandchildren are:  Ivan Andrews, Evelyn Andrews, Josie Lynne Andrews, Madelyn Bennett and James Robert Bennett, Theodore Bennett, Margaux Bussy, Maxime Bussy,  Ellis Gidman, Charles Gidman, Reese Gidman.

Skip graduated high school in 1952 From Zion Benton Township High School, Zion Illinois. Skip excelled in football, wrestling and track as a record breaking pole vaulter. In the 7th grade, Skip began playing the trumpet, soon developing into a skilled and sought after professional musician and lifelong passion, which he passed on to all of children and grandchildren.

After graduating high school, Skip attended Bob Jones University, Greenville South Carolina, where he studied bible and toured Central America with his trumpet as part of a music ministry team.  Skip attended Sherwood School of Music and University of Chicago, graduating with a bachelor's degree in music education in 1962. In 1976, Skip earned his master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from Roosevelt University, Chicago Il.

Skip was an educator for 37 years, serving as band director at Grayslake, Illinois and Round Lake, Illinois school systems, with the majority of his career served in the Zion Illinois District 6 as Junior High band director, guidance counselor, and music educator.

Skip joyfully played his trumpet for the Lord every Sunday at Lakeview Missionary Church, in Zion Illinois and 1st Presbyterian Church, Haines City Florida where he was member. Skip also served as choir director at Bonnie Brook Baptist Church, Waukegan Illinois and Lakeview Church Zion Illinois. Skip and Alice also attended Beulah Missionary Church, Goshen, Indiana

Skip found pleasure in golfing, felling trees and splitting firewood, but his life long passion was knowing his Savior, Jesus Christ, and spending time each day in scripture and prayer. Skip and Alice lived their life together and raised their family never wavering from the Lord and always seeking His leading. For 66 years they started each together in prayer, lifting up each one of Children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Skip's life was full and well-lived, but not without challenges including fires and floods. But he faced each challenge and even death itself clinging closely to the word of God, and his Heavenly Father who led him all the way, often proclaiming the words of Apostle Paul In Romans chapter 8: In all these things we are more than conquers through Him who loved us. for I am convinced that neither death nor life neither angels nor demons neither the present nor the future nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Funeral Service for Skip will be held Monday, March 4, 2024 12:00pm, EST, at Beulah Missionary Church, 57595 Old County Road 17, Goshen, IN 46528 with Pastor Kelley Sewell officiating.

Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the start of the service from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the church.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN is assisting the family.

A Private Graveside Service will be held at Mount Olivet Memorial Park in Zion, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Devon Oasis at https://www.devonoasis.org/

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

Devon Oasis Ministry
3301 Benham Ave, Elkhart IN 46517
Tel: 1-773-654-3057
Email: info@devonoasis.org
Web: https://www.devonoasis.org/donate/