William Earl Winkley

DURANT, Okla. William Earl Winkley of Durant, Okla., passed on Wednesday, March 28, 2012, in San Angelo, Texas, at the age of 99. Graveside service was held Friday, March 30, 2012, in Highland Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, Durant, Okla. Earl Winkley was born on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1913, and raised in Vandervort, Ark. He moved to Durant, Okla., at the age of 16. He married Sally Eppie Rowland on Dec. 22, 1937, and they were married for 65 years. They celebrated their golden anniversary in 1987, and later celebrated a 60 year anniversary with their children and family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eppie Winkley; two sons, Wyman Winkley and Donald Wayne; his parents, Wyman and Lela Winkley; three sisters; and two brothers. Survivors include his daughters, Anita McPherson, Amarillo, Texas, Linda Korkmas and husband, Maurice, Irving, Texas; son Lloyd Winkley and wife Glenda, Ozona, Texas; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother Pete Winkley, Vandervort, Ark.; numerous nieces and nephews; and extended friends. Earl was a longtime and active member of the 7th and Beech Church of Christ in Durant, Okla. He was always a faithful servant of our Lord, setting example for friends and family. He will be sorely missed. He loved time with his family and loved to talk and visit with everyone. He loved to play 42 and any games when his family gathered. His greatest passion was working and being in his garden, taking care of his yard and many different trees he planted. Another of his hobbies was doing woodwork items in his shop. Earl retired from El Paso Natural Gas Co. in 1976, after 35 years with the company, living in and around West Texas and New Mexico. When he retired they built a home in Durant and moved there to enjoy retirement. They were active in the senior citizen programs and also took many community classes at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. In his earlier years, Earl had worked at the college and was instrumental in the planting of all the beautiful magnolia trees on campus of Southeastern. Family and friends may send online condolences and view tributes at holmescoffeymurray.com.