Obituaries

Hunter “Pop” “Chief” Lephiew Pinney, age 80, of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 30, 1945, to Hunter Lephiew and Gladys (née Elwood) Pinney, Chief dedicated his life to service, family, and community. A proud veteran, he retired as a Chief Petty Officer with the United States Coast Guard after an incredible 41-year military career. His service began in Vietnam and concluded with his final posting in Corpus Christi, Texas, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Beyond his military service, Chief was also a skilled engineer, though his greatest passion was substitute teaching for the Fort Thomas School District, where he inspired students with his kindness, humor, and life experience. He was a member of the Southgate VFW and the Masonic Lodge. Chief loved bringing people together—whether feeding his family and friends his famous Saturday waffles or sharing the open road on his motorcycle. He took great joy in riding with Rolling Thunder and touring the country alongside his motorcycle friends. Chief was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Howard Pinney; and his son, Zachary Koenig. He is survived by his loving wife, Beth (née Broe) Pinney; his son, Nick (Jen) Bodmer; daughters, Gretchen Bodmer, Marie (James) Pinney-McDaniel, Amanda Monroe, Sara (Shane) Pinney-Mattlin, Jennifer (née Kattenhorn) Koenig, and Stephanie Koenig; brothers, David and Daniel Pinney; sisters, Ruth Pinney, June (the late Harvey) Pinney-Howison, and Rita Pinney; and his cherished grandchildren, Alayna, Allyson, Owen, Andrew, Sam, Nora, and Ellie. Chief will be remembered for his unwavering love of family, his generosity of spirit, and his ability to make everyone feel welcome. His laughter, wisdom, and kindness touched the lives of so many, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Dobbling Funeral Home, 106 South Fort Thomas Avenue, Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Memorials are suggested to Fort Thomas Coffee Veterans and Friends Coffee Club, 1 Highland Avenue, Suite A, Fort Thomas, KY, or to the Young Marines, 17739 Main Street, Dumfries, VA 22026.