Bill Winkler

William Barrett Winkler was born on February 23, 1937 in Moffat, Texas, to his parents Wesley Carl Winkler and Lydia (Richter) Winkler. Bill was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church, The Grove, in March of 1937 with Pastor William H. Remmert officiating. He was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church on May 3, 1951 by Pastor E. Brauer.

Bill married Norma Ruth Cohn on March 31, 1978 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in The Grove, Texas, with Pastor A. E. Graf officiating.

Bill attended Sunday School at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Temple and Christian Day School at St. Paul Lutheran School, The Grove, Texas. He graduated from Belton High School. While in high school he played football, baseball, and was the shot put specialist on the track team. He was a member and Treasurer of the FFA and 4-H.

He went to Tarleton State College at Stephenville, Texas. He was a member of the Wainwright Rifle Team as well as a member of the Rodeo Club. He was awarded Letters in football, baseball, and track; and was voted the Outstanding Intramural Manager.

From there he transferred to Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. He enlisted in the Army in 1959 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was then stationed in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. When he was discharged the first time, he came back home to work for Churpik's in Temple. He was called back into the service in October 1961 and was a part of the Bay of Pigs invasion into Cuba. He was discharged from the military a second time in August of 1962. From there he went to Fort Polk, Louisiana and attended McNeese State College at Lake Charles. He served in the Corp of Engineers at Fort Polk and at Fort Hood, Texas.

He worked for the Rainbo Baking Company in Waco, Temple, Killeen, and Hamilton. Since he was still single they could move him around to wherever he was needed the most. He ended up for a time in Houston working for Rainbo Baking Company and Morton Foods. He also sold Forney Welders. He also drove a truck for Mayflower Transit Company for 10 years. After those years of truck driving he married Norma, a very good, God fearing woman. At that time he owned and operated Winkler Hay Bailing Company and worked for his mother and father at the Winkler Pecan Farm. At the time of his death he owned and operated the Winkler Pecan and Honey Farm. He also did part time work for Farm Equipment in Temple. He was a bee keeper for many years.
At St. Paul Lutheran Church he served as Head Usher and Trustee. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 133, a lifetime member of the Handyman's Club, and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Auctioneers International.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley Carl and Lydia (Richter) Winkler and by a son, William Blake Campbell. He is survived by his wife; Norma Ruth Winkler, by his sister Gina Krause, by his children Christy Lynn Campbell, Marshall Brett Campbell, and Rhonda Lynn Sanders; by his grandchildren Kimberlie Rae Campbell, Kyle Evan Campbell, Lauren Campbell Dempsey, Hawkins Taylor Campbell, William Barrett Campbell, Andee Kate Campbell, and Marshall Colt Campbell; and by his great grandchildren Riley Dempsey, Jack Dempsey, and Luke Dempsey; and by countless nieces, nephews and friends.

Bill passed away this past Friday morning, November 10, 2017 at the age of 80 years, 8 months, and 18 days. Now he lives for all eternity with his and our Father in heaven

Funeral services will be held at 10am today, November 14, 2017 at St Paul Lutheran Church in The Grove with Pastor John Heckman officiating. Burial will follow at the St Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Belton.

Visitation

HarperTalasek Funeral Home Chapel
503 N. Main St.
Belton, TX  76513
Monday, November 13, 2017
5-7pm

Service

St Paul Lutheran Church
220 The Grove Rd.
Gatesville, TX  76528
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
10am

Cemetery

St Paul Llutheran Church Cemetery
220 The Grove Rd.
Gatesville, TX  76528