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FUNERAL HOME

Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home & Crematory

436 West James Lee Boulevard

Crestview, Florida

Drew Winkler Obituary

Drew Winkler, age 26, of Crestview, died Monday, May 30, 2016, Memorial Day, after losing his long 5 year battle with PTSD. He took his life after being unable to continue fighting "these demons in my head every day and they are winning." He was just 1 of 22 Veterans suffering from PTSD each day who take their own lives when they can fight no more.
Most importantly, he was a loving father, caring son, loyal and trusted brother, and selfless friend. His was a life lost far too soon.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Billy and Mary Jane Winkler, and grandfather, Paul Bramble.
Drew is survived by his parents, Rick and Rebecca Winkler; sons, Christian and Caydan; friend, love and children's mother, Jamie Custer; brothers, Corey Winkler (wife, Irmma), and Craig Winkler (girlfriend, Anissa Thompson); and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A gathering to celebrate Drew's life will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2016, from 2:30 to 4:30 PM, at Crosspoint, South Crestview, 2250 P J Adams Pkwy, Crestview, FL 32536. Please join Drew's family in sharing memories of this wonderful man. Casual attire please!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the GoFundMe on his Facebook page, or PayPal account – [email protected]">[email protected]">[email protected]">[email protected] or Coastal Bank and Trust Acct# 1008407353, routing No. 063208140
Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Northwest Florida Daily News from Jun. 3 to Jun. 4, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Drew Winkler

33 Entries

Lamika Thornton

June 8, 2016

I would like to say THANK YOU and may your soul rest in peace

Martin Aikens

June 6, 2016

Rest in peace brother.

June 6, 2016

Rest in Peace Drew! God is comforting your family & friends. You will never be forgotten, you are a Hero forever!

June 6, 2016

My heart breaks for Drew and his family. Drew you are a hero...God bless you .He will never be forgotten. Sue, NJ

Andrew Atkins

June 6, 2016

I worked with Drew. He was a great guy he will be missed. RIP

Sherma Dunagan

June 5, 2016

As an Air Force widow of a suicide, I understand your pain and despair. PTSD is a terrible thing, destroying too many Heros and their families. May God grant you all peace and strength in the days ahead. I pray Drew is at peace and resting in the arms of the Lord.

June 5, 2016

I am so sorry for your families loss. May GOD comfort your entire family.

Kathy Thies

June 5, 2016

Words can't begin to provide comfort for the family you left behind, Drew. You carried a heavy burden for a long time and saw no other way out. The Lord has you now and He holds you in his loving arms as He provides your family comfort and strength. My sincere condolences to all the Winkler Family. Remember him always as the sweet gentle man who loved you all so very much.

Stephanie Cole

June 5, 2016

My heart just aches! No words!

Many people who care <3

June 5, 2016

I am so very sorry for your loss...may the Lord wrap his arms around Jamie and their precious sons...R.I.P.hero...you will never be forgotten <3

Mary Warren

June 5, 2016

So sorry for your loss prayers for your family

Mary Lou Schweers

June 5, 2016

My sincerest sympathies to the family of Drew Winkler. May you know comfort from fond memories some day.

Sandy Nunn

June 4, 2016

Deepest condolences on your loss. Prayers to your family and for Drew. God bless you all.

Tonie and Sophia Traina

June 4, 2016

Praying that you have found the peace that you so deserve. May peace be with your family and those who love you as well.

Debbie and Bill Greene

June 4, 2016

We are so sorry for your loss.
Much love,

Ernie

June 4, 2016

Sorry for your loss. praying for the family and this young soul.

June 4, 2016

Prayers from Tennessee

Roberta

June 4, 2016

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Not enough is known about the ways to properly treat PTSD. A dear friend lost her husband to PTSD after several tours in Afganistan. Gentle thoughts and prayers for all those who have been afflicted with PTSD as well as their families and their friends.

Diane M.

June 4, 2016

My God Bless and be with you all. I lost my brother to suicide 15 years ago and the pain never goes away. God be with you all knowing he's in a better place. Prayers for peace.

Florence Jackson

June 4, 2016

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Yaitzw Canterbury

June 4, 2016

I caught the story on Facebook just now. I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. From a suicide bereaved widow, I know your pain and share in your plight. I myself have GAD and PTSD as a result of my loss. We must do better.

Donna Miotk

June 4, 2016

I read the news on Facebook altho I don't know you I am praying that now you are at peace. Deepest condolences to your family.

June 4, 2016

I'm so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Prayers for the family.

Debra Gillespie

June 4, 2016

As the mother of 2 soldiers, I pray for strength and comfort in this time of mourning. Words can not express my feelings. Tears for y'all and love and kindness to you.

Tabatha Serra

June 4, 2016

Saw your story on Facebook. I am so saddened :(
May You Rest in Peace and God give strenght to your family in this painful time. God Bless your family...

Quen Maynus

June 4, 2016

So sorry for your loss. I pray this family finds peace. God bless this family . Much love from California

June 4, 2016

Heartbreaking- I hope his children grow up knowing that he tried as hard as he could for them, but no one is prepared for what war really is, it is because his heart was so loving that it made it too hard for him to stay here. My son's father also suffers from PTSD- he lives a nomadic lifestyle, never staying in one place too long- not always staying in contact. It is so hard on my son - so hard to understand. I too have called the VA, crying and begging for help for us. We too have been ignored. NEVER receiving any help. God Bless those boys and may he watch over them as they miss their daddy.

Connie

June 4, 2016

Drew was a sweet, amazing, loving man! I work with him at NEW/Asurion and he would smile everytime I seen him. His story will go on with the two little boys he left behind and with his family that loves him so much. They now have their guardian angel watching down on them. Going to miss his amazing smile!

Porshe Devol

June 4, 2016

So sorry for your loss. Prayers and good thoughts for your family and his precious boys. He is no longer in pain and can be your guardian angel. He is looking down on everyone and keeping them safe. ❤

Cindie M

June 4, 2016

I was so sorry to read of this on Facebook. My heart grieves not only for your family, but others who suffer from this horrible side effect of service. I can only pray that somewhere, someone will find a solution. If our government can not do it for us, we the people will have to find a way to help those who make it possible for others to find freedom and liberty. I want you to know that I am grateful to Drew and others like him, who fought for an ideal. I have faith that he is free of the pain and torment and safe in his Father in Heavens arms. As the daughter of a suicide victim, I know what being a survivor entails and I will pray for you all, that you will be strong, you will forgive him for leaving you, and that you will have peace.

Donna Rail

June 3, 2016

My condolences. Rest in peace.

Jean

June 3, 2016

So very sorry for the family"s loss.Deputy Winkler. You came and checked on me about 3 years ago... 711 Bob Sikes.
Please remember... he has no more worries..and you will see your beloved son again one glorious day

June 3, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing his story.

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