The Reverend Jack C. Winger

In his 83rd year, the Reverend Jack C. Winger decided it was time to attend the great family gathering in the sky. Born on December 15, 1942, in Oil City, PA, Jack passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, at Shippenville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, leaving behind a legacy that could fill a charter bus and then some.

Jack wore many hats throughout his life-often tilted at just the right angle for comedic effect. He began his professional journey as a school teacher, where he imparted wisdom and dad jokes with equal vigor. Later, he took to the roads as a charter bus driver, ensuring that every passenger reached their destination with a side of laughter. He graduated from Oil City High school in 1960. In 1964, Jack graduated from Clarion State College with his undergraduate degree in English and History. For 30+ years, he served as a beloved United Methodist Minister within the Western PA Conference of the United Methodist Church, where he skillfully navigated both divine inspiration and potluck dinners. His time at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary armed him with a Master of Divinity and perhaps the patience of a saint.

Jack was a history buff, an avid reader, and also coached football and basketball. He was professional drummer in the band "The depths of Blue". He was the charter member of the Flower Club. He was a finder of fizzles and member of the "Buphradt" Brigade. He took his role as grandfather seriously, and went to such lengths as to wear a "Sir Topham" hat costume, and another occasion, fairy-wings, as well as playing the ukelele for hours for not one, but two, dancing princesses. Inspired by the song "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam", Jack lived to be a "sunbeam" for Christ by making people feel comfortable and welcome in church.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Blanche (Miller) Winger, who undoubtedly greeted him with open arms, and brothers Donald "Larry" Winger and Gene Winger, who might just be planning a sibling reunion up above.

Surviving him is Patricia (Groce) Winger, his devoted wife of nearly 63 years, who always chuckled at his jokes, even when they were 40 years old. He also leaves behind his son Von (Malia) Winger of Spring Lake, NC; daughter Rhonda (Andy) Schenberg of Plumer, PA. Grandchildren, Noah (Evelyn) Schenberg, Nathanael Schenberg and Grace Schenberg; niece Susan Winger and nephew Gene (Wendy) Winger.

A memorial service to celebrate Jack's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church, 600 Wood St. Clarion, PA 16214 with the Reverend Jodie Smith and the Reverend Ed Myers officiating. In typical Jack fashion, the event is sure to be filled with stories, laughter, and a gentle reminder to check under your pew for stray hymnals.

Arrangements are under the care of the Goble Funeral Home & Crematory, 330 Wood St, Clarion.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sharing a joke with someone who needs it. After all, laughter is the best way to honor a man who lived his life with humor and grace.

Friends and family may send online condolences, order flowers and memorials, and obtain additional information by visiting www.goblefh.net.