Dr. C.W. (“Doc”) Hinkley, 92

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.— Dr. C.W. (“Doc”) Hinkley, 92, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2017 in Scottsdale, Ariz. after a brief illness.
He was born in Cherryvale, Kan. on Feb. 20, 1925 to Charles Sumner Hinkley and Nina Pearl (Mix) Hinkley. He grew up in Chanute, Kan. on a 10-acre farm and worked in his parents’ grocery store. Graduating from Savonburg High School, he joined the Army Air Corps during World War II with the intention of becoming a pilot. His vision prevented that goal from being realized, but didn’t prevent him from proudly serving in the Pacific and Honolulu until his discharge in 1946. He then attended Fort Scott Junior College (Fort Scott, Kan.) followed by Southern College of Optometry (Memphis, Tenn.), receiving his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1949.
During this time he married Dorothy May Swanson in 1946 and they had two sons, Jeffrey and David. They were married for 57 years until Dorothy passed away in 2003. Upon graduating from optometry school, the young couple moved to Monte Vista in 1950 where “Doc” practiced for 53 years.
A 50+-year member of the First Presbyterian Church of Monte Vista, he served as an Elder and Deacon, remaining active until moving to Cedaredge, Colo. several years ago. Subsequently, he became a member of the Fountain Hills (Arizona) Presbyterian Church. Other memberships and community activities include: Lions Club, Monte Vista Jaycees, American Optometric Association, Colorado Optometric Association, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (66-year member) and Chamber of Commerce Conquistadores.
His service on the Colorado State Veterans Center Advisory Board was instrumental in construction of the new nursing facility at Homelake. He was also on the organizational ground floor for the annual Crane Festival and was elected to serve on the Monte Vista school board for two terms. He was honored as Monte Vista’s Man of the Year in 1994. His life was the consummate example of service to his Lord, his family, his community and his country.
He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Orene (Jenkins) Hinkley. He is also survived by his two sons Jeffrey (Jenna) Hinkley, Austin, Colo. and Dr. David (Annavee) Hinkley of Monte Vista, grandchildren Rachael Hinkley, Denver; Sarah (Nyck) Brown, Baton Rouge, La.; Matthew Hinkley, Monte Vista and Shannon Hinkley, Grand Junction, Colo., as well as three great-grandchildren. Also surviving are stepson John (Kathy) Jenkins, Wichita, Kan.; stepdaughter Janet Jenkins, Fountain Hills, Ariz.; step grandchildren Courtney Jenkins, Guymon, Okla.; Katie (Tom) Carella and Jacob Jenkins, Wichita, Kan. and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy, his brother Lester Hinkley and his beloved granddaughter, Sergeant Faith Renee Hinkley.
Memorial services celebrating Doc’s life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Monte Vista on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. Family graveside services will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Monte Vista.