John Michael Hinkle, age 70, passed away peacefully in St. Louis, MO on April 11, 2026, jamming to Led Zeppelin “Stairway to Heaven”.

Michael was born in St. Louis, MO to Lois and John Hinkle on December 29, 1955. At a young age, he was raised in a Catholic orphanage until he turned 17, when he was able to join the Armed Services for the next chapter of his life. He was a man of many trades and enjoyed everything and everyone he encountered. He loved to read, cook, write poetry, draw, and talk about his days riding his motorcycles. Michael had a generous and caring heart. He always kept a smile on his face and found the positive in every situation he was in. He loved his dog, Kicker, whom he rescued from a rescue shelter. He retired as a union carpenter and enjoyed his retirement driving around in his RV and enjoying the outdoors.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the St. Louis Humane Society at https://hsmo.org/tributes-memorials/