C.W. (Carrol Wayne) Kinney, 77, of Champaign, formerly of Arthur,  passed away on February 25, 2025, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, O'Fallon, IL.

Born July 30, 1947, in Arthur, C.W. was the only child of Jesse and Ada Fern Kinney. They preceded him in death.

C.W. was a graduate of Arthur High School, where he made many lifelong friends. He was a trained butcher before embarking on his law enforcement career. C.W. served with distinction with the Champaign Police Department for more than two decades, retiring in 1990. Following his police career, he served as an investigator with the Law Offices of Lawrence E. Johnson & Associates for several years.

C.W. was an accomplished musician, playing numerous instruments. Having never taken a lesson and learning by ear, his specialty was playing ragtime piano.

In retirement, C.W. was extremely active in the Illinois Police Association, Kickapoo Division. He was a member of Western Star Lodge 240 for over 25 years. Anyone who knew C.W. also knew that he would tell tall tales, some of which were even true, and he always had a joke ready to share. He was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and the Fighting Illini.

C.W. is mourned by several cousins, numerous friends, special friends Kelli Davis and John Farney, as well as his brother and sister law enforcement officers. He was proud to be part of the thin blue line.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Shrader Funeral Home, 430 S. Vine Street, Arthur, IL, with visitation starting one hour prior. Masonic rites will be performed prior to the funeral. Burial will be in the Arthur Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Prairielands Council Boy Scouts of America and Illinois Police Association, Kickapoo Division.