David Craig Winans

In Loving Memory of David Craig Winans
January 13, 1943 – December 9, 2025
David Craig Winans passed away on December 9, 2025, at the age of eighty-two. Born on January 13, 1943, in Childress, Texas, David was the eldest child of Clarence and Edna (Compton) Winans of Ballinger, Texas, who preceded him in death.
Though David called many places home, he was never 'from' anywhere. He moved nine times before high school as his father's work as a grocery manager kept the family on the move, but they eventually stayed long enough for David to graduate from Roswell High School in Roswell, New Mexico in 1961. David left for college as a scholarship pole vaulter for the track team and was a cadet in ROTC laying a foundation for service, discipline, and lifelong engagement with his community. NMSU was not all work, he was a SAE fraternity member and met the love of his life, Margaret, a Chi Omega while achieving his bachelor's and master's degree in civil engineering.
After college, David served his country honorably as a U.S. Army officer during the Vietnam War. Never one to dwell on hardship, he often recalled, with characteristic humor, that among his "most dangerous operations" was escorting Ohio State head football coach Woody Hayes during a 1966 USO visit.
Returning stateside, David began a distinguished 35-year career with Exxon Pipeline, undertaking nine additional relocations before retiring in 2004 to his beloved Alto, New Mexico. Retirement finally provided a community and over 21 years in Alto, David volunteered his time to Lincoln Co Food Bank, Alto Lakes Golf and Country Club, Alto Water, Alto Lakes Property Owners Association, Republican Party of Lincoln County and was an active member of the Community Methodist Church of Ruidoso. He found joy in a good round of golf, projects around the house, and time spent with a paintbrush in hand. Simply known as 'Craig, he liked to quip, "Van Gogh was not famous until he passed."
David's greatest devotion was to his family. He was a loving husband to Margaret Winans for 60 years, a proud father to David Winans, Jr. (wife Katherine) and Brad Winans (wife Sandra), and a delighted grandfather to Evan and Laurel Winans and Tyler and Emma Winans. He is also survived by his brother Larry Winans of Round Rock, Texas, and his sister Dian Huddle of Houston, Texas.
Service details will be shared by the family when available.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends and loved ones to honor David through acts of kindness and community service, reflecting the way he lived.