Robert P. Winks

Robert P. Winks, 84 HEMET -- Robert P. Winks, 84, passed away Monday, May 19, 2008. Robert was a WWII Fighter Ace, a loving father to two daughters, and husband to Rae, his wife of 63 years. He was born in Sumner, Iowa, Dec. 6, 1923. Robert attended the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., until he volunteered for the USAAF Cadet Training in 1943. He was assigned to the 354th Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, Eighth Army Air Force in England. Flying his P51D Mustang, "Trusty Rusty", he accomplished what few could - he shot down a German ME262 jet. After the war he married Rae and returned to Sumner to the family poultry, butter and egg business, Wescott and Winks, one of the largest companies of its kind in the midwest. Wescott and Winks model railcars are now collectibles. The business was discounted in 1950, and he and Rae moved to Pasadena, Calif., where he worked for a time at Standardized Aircraft Company, as a salesman, launched a barbeque manufacturing company called Burr-Southern., became a Registered Representative of the New York Stock Exchange, owned and operated a company which designed and manufactured an FM Converter for automobiles, and finally joined Gultom Industries as a sales representative, a company where he would eventually become the VP Sales and Marketing for their Luminator Division. He stayed at Gulton for over 20 years, in sales and marketing positions, in both Texas and California. Bob Winks was known for his love of his country, and his desire to do the right thing. He believed in working hard, following the rules, and helping others. He was a poet and a history buff, and was quick to smile and laugh. He is survived by his wife, Rae Winks of Hemet and his daughters, Robyn Winks of Idyllwild, Calif., and Wendy Winks of Santa Monica, Calif. Arrangements are entrusted to Miller-Jones Mortuary & Cremations Inc., 1501 W. Florida Ave., Hemet, CA. Private services are planned with interment to follow at noon Saturday May 31, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, Calif. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com