Jereld Don "Lum" Winton

Jereld Don "Lum" Winton
Jereld Don "Lum" Winton was born on January 7, 1933, in Pontotoc, Oklahoma, to John Watson "Watt" Winton and Bessie Christine Casey Winton. The third born of their children, he was raised in Pontotoc and graduated from Pontotoc High School in 1951. He later joined the ROTC and went on to earn an Associate of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Murray State College in 1953.
Jereld proudly served two years in the U.S. Army as a helicopter mechanic followed by two years in the Army Reserves during the time of the Korean conflict. In 1957, he married Mary Loretta Taylor, and soon after, his career path shifted. He worked for several years as a roughneck in the oil fields around Pampa, Texas before beginning a 30 ½ year career as a Union Ironworker with Local 48.
During his time as an Ironworker, Jereld helped construct some of Oklahoma City's most iconic structures including the Myriad Convention Center, Crossroads Mall, the General Motors Plant, Tinker Air Force Base, and the ECU Dome and Horace Mann Building in Ada. He often spoke with pride of his involvement in placing the Trail of Tears statue at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
Aware of the dangers of his profession, Jereld also trained as a small engine repairman, but he continued his work as an ironworker until retiring at age 65, choosing, in his words, not to "tempt his luck" for potential accidents any further.
Jereld and Mary shared 25 years of marriage before her passing in December of 1982. Together they raised three daughters: Mariann Lyda of Ada; Tommie Akard and husband Perry of Oklahoma City; and Loretta Woodall and husband Kevin of Idabel. He is also survived by five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and his siblings Margaret Ann "Margie" Berrie of Fittstown, Billy David "Peck" Winton of Washington, Gaye Gastineau of Pontotoc, and Randell Johnson of Tishomingo.
Jereld was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Meleta Mae "Skeezix" Jordan and Lenora Jo "Red" Hooper, and his brothers James Thomas "Tommy" Winton, John Wayne "Duke" Winton, Miles Bonner "Gib" Winton, son-in-law Tommy Lyda, and his great-grandson, Luca Nash VanZant.
In his later years, Jereld found joy and companionship with Betty Bolin, sharing many happy moments dancing, and cheering on the OKC Thunder together. Betty's children-Darlis Hatton, Jay Bolin, Londa Foster, and Bill Bolin-became like family to Jereld, and he cherished their love and support. His daughters are deeply grateful for Betty's family, whose kindness and care enriched their father's life.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Morada Lake Hefner Assisted Living in Oklahoma City, Valir Hospice caregivers and Malcolm Ross with Synergy Home Care of Oklahoma. Your patience and compassion made a difference during this time.
Although no formal funeral service will be held, the family will receive friends on Saturday, September 13th, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Criswell Funeral Home, 815 Arlington Street, Ada, OK 74820.