Obituary of Kenneth Campbell Hinkel

Kenneth Campbell Hinkel, age 59, of Reston, VA, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 16, 2017, at a friend's home. He was a native of Wheaton, MD, and a former resident of Hedgesville, WV. Ken was born on October 1, 1957, the loving son of the late John Porter and Sally Ann (Mathews) Hinkel. Ken lived a life dedicated to serving others. He worked with prisoners, adjudicated youth, and unsheltered people. He touched many lives. His peaceful demeanor and his reliability were a source of encouragement to those needing a hand up. They knew that Ken was someone who truly cared and advocated for them. Throughout Ken's life, he expressed himself with his art, which brought joy to himself and others. He worked with multimedia, watercolors, acrylics, and stained glass. No piece or project was too big or too small for Ken; creating hand-painted note cards to murals, including one special to him at the Embry Rucker Community Shelter in Reston. Many of his friends and family are proud to display his work on their walls. The ocean always called to Ken, and he often visited the beach in Ocean City, MD, where he spent summers as a child. Chesapeake blue crabs were his favorite, and he had many fond memories of sharing a pot of crabs with loved ones. He had a special relationship with his nieces in Indiana. The miles between them didn’t temper the memories they made together. Although their activities were many, the best times were talking and laughing together. He was preceded in death by his parents; older brother, John Porter Hinkel, Jr.; and younger sister, Cheryl Ann Knebel. He is survived by his younger brother, David Mathews Hinkel; sister-in-law, Jennifer Hinkel; and 4 nieces, Emily, Olivia, Haleigh, and Annalisa. He is also survived by his niece Melinda Knebel and nephews, Thomas Knebel and Cody Buehl. A visitation will be held at Adams-Green Funeral Home from 3 to 5 on Thursday, January 19, 2017. A memorial service will follow at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden Street, Herndon, VA at 5 pm. Family and guests will be received at The Breeze,781 Station Street, Herndon, VA 20170 following the service.