Denise Kinnison

Dona Denise Kinnison went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 12, 2025. Born in Tulsa, OK, she moved to Corpus Christi at a very young age. Denise graduated from Mary Carroll HS in 1966, and married her High School sweetheart soon after. After raising her family, she worked full time, going to college at nights until she proudly graduated from Texas A&M-CC in 1994 with her Political Science degree. Denise then moved to Austin where she worked in the Governor’s office and, met the love of her life, Dave Kinnison. Theirs was a true love story. After retirement in 2009, they settled in Woodway, where she and Dave loved hosting family events and holidays. Her love of gardening led her to become a Master Gardener.

Denise is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Dave, her three children from her first marriage – Victoria (Chuck) Orr, Trey (Liz) Thames and Chris Thames and Dave’s daughter, Bethany (Jason) Music. She had 10 grandchildren – Cameron (Ronni) Orr, Caroline Orr, Michael (Stefany) Orr, Madisynn Thames, Bailey Thames, Ella Thames, Evyn Thames, Shelby Music, Joshua Music and Olivia Music and one great – grandchild, Amelia Orr. They were all her little turkeys no matter how old they were. Denise loved her role of Nana and they loved her, especially playing her favorite game of Bananagrams with her.

She is also survived by her sister and lifelong best friend, Patti (Bubba) Adams, nephew Troy (Hope) Funderburg and niece Sally Jane (Minor) Norman and many other family members and friends. She was loved by so many as she was known for her gentle spirit and her unwavering faith in Christ Jesus.

A celebration of her life will be held October 4th at Renew Church in Waco at 2pm.