Donald E. Winget

RICHMOND, IN - Donald E. Winget, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away on October 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on March 30, 1954, in Richmond, Don lived a remarkable life filled with family, achievement, and community service.
Don was an accomplished businessman whose impact was felt not only in the Richmond community but across the nation. He served as a dedicated city council member and as president of the Circle U board, where he played a pivotal role in bringing the new Circle U food bank building on North A Street to fruition, overseeing its construction. Additionally, Don served as chairman of the board for Richmond Power & Light (RP&L) and received numerous awards for his contributions to small businesses in Wayne County.
A visionary in the automotive industry, Don revolutionized rear-end center section development for straight-track drag racing cars. What began as a hobby and a dream in a small house on Richmond's north side grew into DEWCO, the business he founded in 1989. Under Don's leadership, DEWCO expanded into one of the nation's largest racing center section operations, relocating to a 25,000-square-foot facility he built on Rich Road in 1999. Don's innovative designs earned national acclaim on the NHRA circuit, with DEWCO's center sections becoming the most sought-after in the NHRA Pro Stock division. His achievements included setting the track and world record for the fastest Comp Eliminator drag car in Memphis with his Chevy Cobalt and earning a semi-finalist position at the Labor Day NHRA Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana in his Chevy Cavalier Comp Eliminator car. DEWCO also became a proud sponsor of JK Racing and the YoungLife car. As crew chief alongside his close friend Barry Forrester of Amarillo, Texas, Don worked on the DEWCO Camaro and supported NHRA champion in the DEWCO Camaro in the pro stock division, DEWCO supported many other champions who relied on DEWCO rear ends and parts.
Above all, Don's greatest love was his family. He never missed a game, birthday, recital, or competition involving his grandchildren, often rushing from his office to their school events with Jackie by his side. Don and Jackie were devoted Indiana University fans, holding courtside seats at Assembly Hall for over three decades. Their philanthropy extended beyond Wayne County, earning them recognition in Indiana University's Circle of Excellence for their generous contributions to IU. Don witnessed IU's 1987 national championship victory over Syracuse in New Orleans and every Big Ten championship from the 1980s onward. When he wasn't cheering for his grandchildren or working at DEWCO, Don could often be found in Bloomington, proudly supporting the Hoosiers.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Arbor Trace Rehabilitation Facility for their compassionate care of Don. Don is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Jacqueline, whom he met right after graduation; his daughter, Jennifer DeLong, and son-in-law, Jason DeLong, of West Alexandria, Ohio, his cherished grandchildren, Ryan, Allie, and Logan DeLong; his sisters, Margo and Maria; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by parents, James and Marie Winget; brother, James "Buddy" Winget; parents-in-law, Thomas and Mary Jane Lamb; and brothers-in-law, Fran and Rick Lamb.
Visitation for Donald E. Winget will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 30, 2025, and 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Pastor Eric Petersen officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, 2317 Boston Pike, Richmond, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Circle U Food Bank or the Indiana University Athletic Department. I-U!!!
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.