Longtime Mountain Home attorney and former prosecutor Ron Kincade dies at 78

photo courtesy of the Baxter Bulletin

A prominent figure in Baxter County’s legal community has died. Ronald “Ron” Kincade of Mountain Home passed away Thursday at the age of 78. Funeral arrangements are pending at Roller Funeral Home.

Kincade practiced law for more than five decades, serving the Twin Lakes area with distinction both in private practice and public service. A general practice attorney with Kincade Law Office at 701 South Church Street in Mountain Home, Kincade was known for his fairness, professionalism, and commitment to justice. He earned his undergraduate degree from Ouachita Baptist University in 1970 and went on to graduate from law school before moving to Mountain Home in 1975.

Kincade began his career with the Arkansas Department of Correction in 1970, then opened his local practice and served as a juvenile referee before becoming a deputy prosecuting attorney in the mid-1980s. He was first elected prosecuting attorney for the 14th Judicial District in 2002, serving Baxter, Marion, Boone, and Newton counties until his retirement in 2014.

KTLO News spoke with longtime local attorney Mark Cooper who says Kincaid was instrumental in the building of his career and other young attorneys and prosecutors.

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One of his most memorable cases involved the 2006 murder of Mountain Home physician Dr. David Millstein — a case that took nearly seven years to resolve. Kincade and investigators worked tirelessly to build the case that ultimately led to Millstein’s stepson, Gary Wayne Parks, being sentenced to 30 years in prison after entering a no-contest plea.

Throughout his career, Kincade emphasized understanding human nature and exercising compassion in the justice system. He often noted that not every offender needed to go to prison, believing the justice system should focus on those who pose a real danger to others rather than those who simply made mistakes. He also taught young prosecutors to recognize the difference between bad people and people caught in bad circumstances, a distinction he viewed as central to his work.

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Kincade’s dedication to justice left a lasting mark on the courts and the community he served.

Cooper stresses that the passing of his friend leaves a lasting absence in the community that will not be easily filled.

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Recently in August the City of Gassville paused to honor Kincade upon his retirement as city attorney. He was presented the key to the city in recognition of roughly 50 years of service.

Funeral arrangements for Ron Kincade are under the direction of Roller Funeral Home in Mountain Home.

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