Wesley R. Winkler (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Wesley Ralph Winkler, son of George Andrew and Mary Minnie Smith Winkler, was born October 5, 1934, in Gregory, South Dakota. He departed this life Friday, March 25, 2016, in Mercy Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, from injuries he sustained in an automobile accident, at the age of eighty-one years, five months, and twenty days.
On September 16, 1953, in Springfield, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Irene Crippen and to this union two children were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Marvin, Neil, Floyd, Ralph, Gary, and Dean Winkler; and two sisters, Gloria Perrin, and Gayle Winkler.
“Wes”, as he was called by his family and friends, is survived by a son, Larry Winkler, and his wife, Karen, of Lebanon, Missouri; a daughter, Melody Ming, of Lebanon, Missouri; a step-daughter, Sheila Swartz, and her husband, Michael, of Dublin, California; eight grandchildren, Chris, Larry, Jr., Brandi, Joshua, Joseph, John, Jessica, and Alex; eleven great-grandchildren; a sister, Patricia Fenwick, and her husband, Clyde, of Lebanon, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Mary Winkler, and Helen Winkler, both of Lebanon, Missouri; many nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in South Dakota, and then worked in an aircraft factory for a few years. He then made his home in California for a number of years and opened and operated Winkler’s Appliance Store in Ventura, California for thirty years. After retiring, he moved to Falcon, Missouri, where he purchased a cattle and horse ranch. He raised beef cattle, horses, and dogs.
Wes had professed his belief in Christ and was baptized into the Baptist faith.
In his spare time he enjoyed watching NASCAR, riding horses, and listening to Country music. He was fascinated by tractors and could fix anything mechanical. He enjoyed tending to his livestock and considered ranching his hobby. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Wes was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them during his eighty-one years.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children's Hospital or McBride Cemetery
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