Larry Eugene Kinsala's Obituary
Larry “Pete” Eugene Kinsala, 82, of Prosper, Texas, passed away on September 15, 2025, after a courageous 32-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Born and raised in Dallas, Larry was a man who worked hard, played harder, and fiercely loved his family and friends. There was never a dull moment when he was around. Larry was full of stories and a practical joker until the end. If you were lucky enough to hear one of his favorite tales, from blowing up grenades later in life, running from the cops as a teenager, sneaking into movies to get autographs, tossing the keys out of a moving van so he could stop at Dairy Queen, Jr. and his private seat, picking on his baby brother Jimmy, Aaron’s gag gifts at Christmas, or how he nearly didn’t graduate high school, then you could consider yourself a true friend.
Larry was born on January 5, 1943, to Virginia Fay Witherspoon and Raleigh Eugene Kinsala in Dallas, Texas. He attended schools in the Oak Cliff area, where his gift for sales and entrepreneurship was apparent early. From selling donuts door-to-door to delivering newspapers, he worked hard to fund his passions, he enjoyed fixing cars, movies, and racing. He graduated from Kimball High School in 1961. It was there that he met the love of his life, Carole Jacqueline Blanchard, whom he married on February 8, 1964. Larry enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1965, serving until 1971 as an automotive repairman. In 1967, he and Carole welcomed their daughter, Kristine Michelle.
Larry’s early hobbies included street and drag racing. He loved showing home movies of his beloved Anglia, “Goldilocks.” After years on the drag strip, he took up dirt bike racing until an accident ended that chapter. From there, he found another great love, Las Vegas. Whether slots, craps, roulette, or poker, Larry was convinced he knew the perfect strategy. Later in life, when Parkinson’s limited his mobility, he spent countless hours playing online poker, often joined by his brother Jimmy, and never lost his fondness for lottery tickets and scratch-offs.
Kristine was his greatest joy. He loved being a “girl dad” and delighted in making her laugh. He adored his grandchildren, Emma and Max, and his beloved Miniature Pinschers, Rex and Samantha.
Larry built a long and successful career in sales and management. He started at Sanger Harris Tire Company, moved on to Andy’s Auto Repair, and later managed an Exxon Mobil service station. He then began what became his lifelong career in the tool business, first with Snap-on Tools, then with Matco Tools, where he also served as a regional manager, earning numerous awards with both companies. His desire to return to Dallas led him to buy into two full-service stations in Las Colinas, but he ultimately returned to his true calling with Snap-on Tools, where he worked until retirement in 1988. Retirement didn’t slow him down, he took up day trading, which satisfied both his work ethic and his love of gambling.
Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Nickell; stepfather, Forest Nickell; sister, Linda Gayle; and brother, Jimmy Ray.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carole Kinsala; his daughter, Kristine Reed, and son-in-law, Aaron Reed; and his two cherished grandchildren, Emma and Max Reed, all of Prosper, Texas.
Larry will be remembered as a fighter, a hard worker, a jokester, and a man who loved his family with everything he had. He would want his life celebrated with laughter and with stories, especially the ones he told over and over, because they truly never got old. Memorial services will be held on Monday, September 29, at 2:00 p.m. at Restland Funeral Home in the Wildwood Chapel, followed by a graveside service at Restland.
What’s your fondest memory of Larry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Larry?
Share a story where Larry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Larry you’ll never forget.
How did Larry make you smile?