Benny Paul Kinney, 74, Mud Butte, died at his ranch on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006.

Visitation was from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2006, at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis, with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating. Burial with military honors by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard followed at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Benny was born May 3, 1931 at Faith, to Elmer F. and Lea M. (Bachman) Kinney. He grew up around Faith and worked on area ranches. He rodeoed the weekends and competed in all events. He worked for Edward Bachman in the traveling "Wild West" show in the late '40s. Benny competed in rodeos across six other states and worked for the West River Rodeo Company.

He joined the U.S. Marine Corps on Feb. 14, 1952 and served his country honorably including a tour of Korea.

He was discharged in 1954, and returned to the Faith area where he continued to work for area ranche,s and the local filling station. He also continued to rodeo.

Benny married DeDe Lemmel at Sturgis on Oct. 20, 1957. The couple made their homes at the many ranches Benny worked at. He continued to rodeo and was the 1954 Saddle Bronc Champion at the Faith Stock Show, and the 1959 NRCA Bareback Riding Champion and All-Around Cowboy.

The family moved to the Sulphur Creek area and then on to Stoneville before moving to Sturgis. Benny worked in the timber for a short time before he was called back to the ranch life. They returned to the Mud Butte area and have lived on the same place for the last 17 years.

Benny was the chute boss for the Newell Labor Day Rodeo, Faith Stock Show Rodeo, and many 4-H rodeos. He was also active in the Mud Butte Volunteer Fire Department and the Opal Community Hall.

A memorial has been established to the Mud Butte Volunteer Fire Department.

Survivors include his wife, two daughters, one brother,one sister and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and one brother.