Douglas H. Kinder Sr

7 May 1942-14 June 2026

Douglas Harloe Kinder, Sr. was born May 7, 1942 in Wythe County, Virginia and was the son of Ernest and Ennis Kinder. Doug was a graduate of Rural Retreat High School and soon after graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Doug met his future wife of 62 years, Harriet D. Erdman, on a blind date and after a tour in Okinawa he returned and within 6 months they were married.

Doug was a devoted and present husband, father, grandfather (papa) and great grandfather. After returning from the Vietnam Conflict, Doug worked for Texaco for several years then in 1977 he returned to service in the Air Force as a reservist and civil servant as an aircraft sheet metal repair technician at Eglin Air Force Base (Duke Field), Florida. Doug retired in 1999 as a MSgt from the United States Air Force. After his military service was complete, he chose to serve the Okaloosa County School System for 6 years. After being fully retired, Doug and Harriet moved from Crestview, FL to Lexington, SC which they made their new home.

After retirement Doug enjoyed volunteering at Lexington Baptist Church, singing with the Senior Adult Choir and volunteering as an usher at church. He was a fixture at the welcome center of the LBC Family Life Center where everyone was welcomed with a smile or quite possibly a story. He never met a stranger! Doug had a song in his heart and if you spent much time with him you were probably going to hear him singing or humming one or two of those songs! He was a member of theVeterans of the Battle of the Bulge SC Chapter and the South Carolina History Club. Doug was proud of his military service and the fact that he was a part of serving to protect and defend our freedom.

Doug loved and enjoyed spending time with his family. This included not only his children but his grands and great grands which in his last years were the highlights of his life. The legacy he left to his family is one of love of country, love of family and love of God. It will be treasured.

Doug went to his heavenly home on Sunday, June 14, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Harriet Erdman Kinder of Lexington, SC; son, Douglas Kinder, Jr. (Kelly) of Wichita, KS; daughter, Amy Kinder Brant (Marcus), Lexington, SC, and Matthew Kinder (Sheila), of Corner. AL. He is also survived by grandchildren, Jameson Kinder, Dustin (Victoria) and Taylor (Janelli) Kinder, Christopher and Emma Brant, Hannah Kinder, Caroline Austin (Carlin) and Madison Kinder; several sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces, nephews and his precious great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life service on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. at Lexington Baptist Church, 308 E. Main St, Lexington, SC 29072. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Lexington Baptist Church Senior Adult Ministry or Tunnel to Towers Foundationhttps://t2t.org/Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.