On Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, Donald E. Winans went home to be with the Lord he loved and greatly desired to be with. He was 86.
Don was born on Jan. 25, 1936 in Watervliet, to Fred D. and Loretta (Parshall) Winans. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, 35th Field Artillery Battalion, attaining the rank of Corporal. He received special merit as a sharpshooter and marksman, as well as the Good Conduct and National Defense Service medals.
Don loved the outdoors. You could always find him in the yard mowing, pruning, planting, or filling his many birdfeeders. He loved cowboys and horses, and in his younger years made sure that he and his son had horses to ride on the farm. For 25 years, he moved freight up and down the highways as a trucker ... an “asphalt cowboy”.
His greatest joy was spending time with people. You could always find him at the church door greeting folks and making them feel welcomed. He never met a stranger and always left them with a smile on their face and joy in their hearts. While on the road, he would take that same love of people to the CB radio, shipping and receiving offices and docks, secretaries, dispatchers, and bosses. He always took great interest in the lives of others.
Don was preceded in death by his father Fred, his mother Loretta, and all of his siblings: Fred, Gene, Phyllis, Darlene, Duane, Larry and Karen (1 month).
He is survived by his wife Mattie, children Chris (Deborah) Winans, Jeannie Wright, Danny (Falisha) Melson, Ron (Shannon) Melson, Brad (Susie) Melson, in addition to 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
An outdoor military service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. followed by a service of remembrance and fellowship meal at the Hartford United Methodist Church, 425 East Main St. beginning at 11 a.m.