William 'Skip' Hinrichs

William (Skip) Hinrichs, 74, of Ridgedale, MO, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Saturday, April 25, 2020 surrounded by his loving wife Sherri and devoted son Chris and secure in the knowledge that he was leaving earthly life to be with Jesus.

Born on August 21, 1945 in Poplar Bluff, MO, Skip was the son of the late Paul A. and Pauline (Polly) Hinrichs.  Also preceding him in death was a loving sister, Paula Ann Kearbey.  He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sherri of the home, son Chris Hinrichs and wife Heather, grandsons Carson and Kinder Hinrichs, grandson Spencer and wife Allie Hinrichs, and great-grandson Atticus Hinrichs, all of Harrison, AR, brother Paul D. Hinrichs and wife Pat of Union, MO, brother Linc Hinrichs and wife Sue of Sioux City, IA, brother-in-law Mike Kearbey, a host of other family members, and many, many special friends.  A blessing to many, all who knew him enjoyed traveling with him along life’s journey and sharing in his wit, humor, and love for others.

A 1963 graduate of Poplar Bluff High School, Skip served in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Charles S. Sperry from 1963 to 1966, including a tour of duty in Vietnam.  He returned to Poplar Bluff in 1970 and was the owner of Bluff Business Machines for 32 years.  Active in the life of the community, Skip worked with many local and civic organizations promoting sporting events and community improvement, growth and development.  He also followed in his father Paul’s footsteps serving on the Poplar Bluff Planning & Zoning Committee.  Skip was an avid supporter of community youth and mentored local Cub Scout/Boy Scout activities, as well as coaching baseball, soccer and other sports.  Some of his proudest moments were following son Chris’s youth and varsity athletic events.

Skip loved his church and church family and made the life of the church a priority in his life.  He was a long-time member of the First Church of God in Poplar Bluff, serving in many roles over several decades  including Sunday school and VBS teacher, youth leader, choir member, board of trustees member, as well as in many other capacities investing his time and energy to expand the Kingdom of God.   Many life-long friendships that were of the most importance to him are members of his church family.

After retiring from the office equipment industry in 2005, Skip worked as the Self-Help Housing Coordinator for the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission until he retired for the second time in 2010 when he and Sherri relocated to the Branson area where he enjoyed one of his greatest joys as a PaPa, participating in and supporting  the activities of his three grandsons Carson, Spencer and Kinder.   He was also active in the Tri-Lakes Corvette Club and Ozark Ridge Riders Group, enlarging his circle of special friends and expanding his retirement hobby interests and activities. Skip will be sadly missed by all who knew him and most especially by his family.

An outdoor funeral service with military honors is being hosted by the First Church of God, 3482 S. Westwood Blvd, in Poplar Bluff, MO at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1st.  Participants attending will stay seated in their parked vehicles and the service will broadcast live over their radios.   A brief graveside service for the immediate family only will be held immediately following the funeral.  Interment will be at City Cemetery in Poplar Bluff, MO.

The family has asked that memorial remembrances be sent to the First Church of God, 3482 S. Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO, 63901.