Richard Thomas Winkler

1945 - 2024

Richard Thomas Winkler

January 26, 1945 - November 21, 2024

Lexington, Kentucky - Richard (Dick) Thomas Winkler, 79, of Lexington, KY, passed away on November 21, 2024, while in the loving embrace of his devoted wife, Ellen. Dick was the proud father to Matthew (Brenda) Winkler and Michael Winkler, and stepfather to Hannah (Lee) Hutchison and Patrick Brown, as well as beloved grandfather to Haley and Luke Winkler.

Following in his father's footsteps, Dick was a lifelong sheet metal man, and his passion for the industry was apparent in every project he ever worked on. He served his apprenticeship at RC Mahone, and received his journeyman card at Gallagher Kaiser. He served in various positions at multiple sheet metal companies, working his way up to Vice President of Operations at Haden. After a three-year stint as a salesman and estimator at Kirk Williams, Dick Joined forces with his son Matt, in 1993 to form American Venture, Inc. in his adopted hometown of Lexington, KY, the place he would call home for the rest of his life.

An incredibly hard worker, Dick enjoyed selflessly helping his friends and neighbors with projects - the harder the task the more comfortable he felt. He forever cherished his time spent on Harsens Island. His adventures with his brother Dave were epic and they never met a casino they didn't like. After his retirement, Dick and Ellen spent most of their time in the Florida Keys, fishing with his pal Captain Fred and living the island life with their many Florida friends.

Dick is survived by his wife Ellen, his children Michael and Matthew (Brenda) Winkler, stepchildren Hannah (Lee) Hutchison and Patrick Brown, grandchildren Haley and Luke Winkler, sisters Edith Hinckfoot and Carol Szychulski, brother Harvey Winkler, as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his siblings Gayle Cort, David Winkler, Doris Winkler, Robert Winkler and Florence Harper.

Honorary pallbearers are: Fred Ferreira, Robert English, Jim Bicknell, John Bicknell, Tim Bicknell, Ron Bicknell and Rick Bicknell.

Visitation will be held on December 2, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a funeral service on December 3 at 1:30 at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 3421 Harrodsburg Rd; a graveside service will be held at Lexington Cemetery immediately afterward. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

CurePSP.

325 Hudson Street.

4th Floor.

New York, NY 10013.

Please make checks payable to CurePSP or donate online at psp.org/donate.