In the wee hours of the morning, on 19 October 2024, an old warrior winged his way to heaven to be with family members who had gone on before him. After nearly 108 years, Corporal John Kinsel Sr.'s final tour of duty on this earth was over. (see When the Legends Die )
John Kinsel was one of two remaining, actual Navajo Code Talkers, leaving only his brother-in-arms, 100-year old, Thomas Begay. Corporal Begay was in attendance at Kinsel's funeral on Wednesday, 23 October 2024. As a side note, Peter McDonald was trained as a Code Talker and is still living, but served in a different capacity.
Funeral services were held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic church in Chinle, AZ. A beautiful eulogy was delivered by Kinsel’s son, Ronald Kinsel. Around 200 friends and family attended the service. Following the service, Corporal Kinsel was escorted to his final resting place by a well known motorcycle club, the Navajo Hopi Honor Riders. The funeral procession was a quite a sight to see! Multiple law enforcement vehicles, the Honor Riders, the hearse and a long line of mourners made the 40 mile trip to the cemetery. At the intersection of Indian Roads 12 & 13, NTUA (Navajo Tribal Utility Authority) had a very large, beautiful American flag suspended across the road between two boom trucks. A long line of NTUA workers stood respectfully beside the trucks as the procession passed.
Interment was performed at the Lukachukai Cemetery in Lukachukai, AZ, near the Kinsel’s home. Marine Honor Guards performed a 21-gun salute, then the flag that had been draped over Kinsel's coffin was perfectly and meticulously folded and presented to Ron Kinsel. As the casket was reverently lowered in the ground, the large crowd dispersed and most proceeded to next and final gathering at the Lukachukai Chapter House for lunch.
As friends of the family, my wife and I were honored to dine with immediate family and close friends of the Kinsels inside the Chapter House, after the interment. There was SO much food! Traditional blue corn mush, mutton stew, mixed vegetables, fresh rolls, fry bread and cake for dessert.
During this special time, we listened to accounts from family members and looked at pictures of days gone by. One old friend came all the way from Pennsylvania. John Kinsel was dearly loved by people from near and far.
Being people of strong faith and followers of ancient tradition, the Kinsel home must be cleansed and a ceremony performed by a medicine man before visitors will be allowed in the home again. The process is sacred and will not be divulged here but it takes several days.
Amy and I had much to ponder on and talk about on the 3-hour trip home. It was a good day!
