The town of Frankton, Indiana is united in sorrow as it reflects on the life of Justin Kinzie, a respected farrier whose work, generosity, and quiet strength left a lasting imprint on the community and far beyond it. Known for his dedication to his craft and his genuine care for both animals and people, Justin’s absence has been deeply felt by family, friends, clients, and fellow farriers across the country.
Justin built his reputation through hard work, skill, and reliability. As a farrier, he was trusted by horse owners who valued not only his technical expertise, but also the patience and respect he showed to every animal he worked with. Horses were calm around him, and clients often remarked that he treated each job with care, no matter how long the day or how challenging the task. For Justin, shoeing horses was more than a profession—it was a calling rooted in responsibility and pride.
Many only later learned of the depth of responsibility Justin carried in his personal life. As Kayleigh Marie Crott shared, Justin had been caring for his parents, shouldering that role quietly and without complaint. He carried heavy responsibilities with grace, rarely allowing the weight of them to show. His steady smile and willingness to keep moving forward became hallmarks of the man those closest to him admired.
Within the farrier community, Justin was known as someone who persevered, even in the face of judgment or misunderstanding. Lazorith James Vaughn reflected on a brief but meaningful encounter, noting that rumors and whispers never aligned with the person Justin truly was. He served others regardless of how he was perceived, choosing action over argument and kindness over resentment. Beyond his professional work, Justin was also known for stopping to help stranded motorists, changing tires, and lending a hand without expecting anything in return.
In the days following the motorcycle crash that claimed his life along State Road 332 in Delaware County, the farrier community responded swiftly. Colleagues stepped in to help cover Justin’s clients, ensuring horses continued to receive care and families were supported during a painful transition. There has also been an outpouring of support for Justin’s family, including fundraising efforts and auctions organized to assist his father. His younger brother, who has begun stepping into the farrier trade, has been met with encouragement and reassurance that he will not walk this path alone.
Justin Kinzie’s story is not defined by a single tragic moment, but by a life shaped through service, responsibility, and quiet compassion. He showed up for his family, his clients, strangers on the roadside, and his peers in the industry. His example has inspired many to slow down, lend a hand, and look beyond surface judgments.
Though his presence is no longer felt in the barns, fields, and roadsides where he once worked and helped others, Justin’s impact continues through the lives he touched. In Frankton and throughout the farrier world, he is remembered as a craftsman, a caregiver, and a man who lived with purpose, humility, and heart.
