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Richard Winks Obituary
Richard R. "Jay" Winks
PAWNEE – Richard Ross "Jay" Winks, 69, of Pawnee, Ill., died Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011, at his residence. He was born June 20, 1942, in Salem, Ill., the son of Howard A. and Mary Getts Winks. He married Phyllis J. Ward on March 9, 1968, at the Pawnee United Methodist Church. Jay was preceded in death by his father.
Jay graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He taught at Pawnee Junior High School for 30 years, retiring in 1994.
Jay loved to travel, often choosing roads off the beaten path. He enjoyed sharing stories of his adventures and would always take the time to share a kind word, even with someone he didn't know. Jay fondly remembers his years of teaching and always remembered his students. He was devoted to his two grandsons – he went out of his way to spend time with each of them, to take them fishing and to cheer them on in all their endeavors. Most of all, Jay took time for everyone – he touched so many people's lives with a helping hand or a kind word.
Jay is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of Pawnee; two sons, Richard Ross (wife, Tonna) Winks Jr., of Fresno, Calif., and Jason R. (wife, Jill) Winks, of Pawnee; two grandchildren, Clay and Tommy Winks, of Pawnee; his mother, Mary, of Salem, Ill.; two sisters, Marylou (husband, Burr) Goodall, of Bourbonnais, Ill., and Ruth Ann (husband, John) Hawkins, of DuQuoin, Ill.; his brother, Charles (wife, Connie) Winks, of Bloomington, Ill.; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jay's family will meet friends Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee. Private graveside services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, at the Alma Cemetery in Alma, Ill., with the Rev. Randy VanAusdall officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pawnee Food Pantry.
Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Richard R. "Jay" Winks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Winks
kevin, hope castle
November 13, 2011
so very sorry to hear of mr winks passing, he was my 7th grade teacher in 1972, he was a kind, wonderful man, our thoughts and prayers, are with all of his family.
November 10, 2011
Jason ansd Jill, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Father, My deepest sympathy is with all of your family. I will keep you in my prayers.
Lou Toler Chatham, IL
November 9, 2011
Phyllis and family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Linda (Vangeison) Blum.
Pam Watson
November 8, 2011
Phyllis & Family:
Jay was truly "one of a kind" and my children (Tim & Joni)& I are better for having known him. His light is shining bright in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
November 8, 2011
We are truly sorry for your loss. Mr. Winks was a favorite teacher of my boys. He will truly be missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
The Courtneys
Heather Jackson
November 8, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of your loss! Phyllis, Jason, Jill, Clay and Tommy you are all in my thoughts and prayers!!
Donna Fugate-Cleeton
November 8, 2011
Winks Family,
I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. Mr Winks was a great teacher who always had a kind word. He will truly be missed. The Lord gained an awesome angel in heaven on Sunday. We will keep your families in our thoughts and prayers.
November 8, 2011
Phyllis,
Sorry to learn of your husband's passing. Seems as if time has gone by very fast since we were kids together at Pawnee High.
Karen Popovich Collebrusco
Resa (Blanton) Earley
November 8, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
November 8, 2011
Phyllis, Jason and family, Sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
The Coopers
Dave, Nyla, Ben, Alex, Nathan and Nyla R.
Vicky Minder Morrow
November 8, 2011
Phyllis and Family:
I was so saddened to hear about
Mr. Winks' passing! He was such a nice man and a great teacher and friend! He was always smiling and just a genuine person! My deepest sympathy.
Jane Murphy Richmann
November 8, 2011
I was sad to hear of Mr. Winks' passing. I remember him most for 7th grade geography (in 1974!) and his crinkly eyes when he smiled--which was often. My condolences to you, Mrs. Winks and boys.
Judy Greenan
November 8, 2011
Phyllis and family,
So sorry to hear of Jay's passing. I know you will all miss him a lot. I am out of town or would come to the visitation. I will pray for all of you to have the strength to get through these next few days. Judy (Byerline) Greenan
Charlotte Stetle-Wood
November 8, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with your family! I always have had happy memories of Mr. Winks. I don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. He will be missed!
Becky Jones
November 8, 2011
We are deeply saddened to hear the news. Richard was a childhood friend, having grown up in our home town of Alma, Illinois. "Jake" as we knew him then, was always kind and caring, even as a young fellow. Nothing but the fond memories of those early years.
Ryan Stevenson
November 8, 2011
So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful teacher as well as a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Melody Weiskopf
November 7, 2011
I am so sorry to learn of Jay's passing. He was wonderful to work with for so many years and so kind and caring with the kids. They all loved him. My deepest sympathy to the whole family.
November 7, 2011
Definately in my thoughts and prayers. A good man, he was. Love... Wendy Eggimann-Davis
Kellie Moats
November 7, 2011
Winks Family - We are so very sorry for you loss, we will keep you all in our hearts and prayers. Mr. Winks was a wonderful teacher, a great, and always happy man. He will be missed at all the games and activities. J., Kellie, Morgan, and Dane Moats
Marlena Shepard
November 7, 2011
Mr. Winks was one of my favorite teachers. It seems like it was just yesterday; walking into 8th grade Geography. He was such a kind man. RIP.
Gene & Jill Murphy Crowl
November 7, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We pray for peace and comfort.
November 7, 2011
Phyllis
Heather Morris
November 7, 2011
Mr. Ross was one of my favorite teachers and people. He will be missed and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Heather Morris, Edward Morris Jr., Terri Morris, Tamara Morris
Stephanie Maupin - White
November 7, 2011
Dear Winks Family,
I am so sorry for your loss! Mr Winks was a wonderful man and a super teacher. He always had a smile on his face and a funny story to tell. I am so blessed to have him as a part of my many memories at the Pawnee Shools. Ross and Jason take good care. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura Huff
November 7, 2011
Sorry for your loss, the family is in our prayers
Duane Albrecht
November 7, 2011
Phyllis,
Jay and I taught together for many years. He was a gentle, happy person loved by all. He will be missed very much. Jenny and I offer our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Heather Cameron-Worley
November 7, 2011
Mr. Winks was a wonderful teacher and person. He will be missed. So sorry for you loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!
Dorene Wright
November 7, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Alberta (and Ruth) Brown
November 7, 2011
Phyllis
Andy Martin
November 7, 2011
Sorry for your loss. Mr. Winks was not only a great teacher but a wonderful neighbor.
Betty (Hill) Hankinson
November 7, 2011
Phyllis, Sorry to hear of your loss. I remember when Mr. Winks came to work at Pawnee Schools. He touched the Pawmee Community greatly through his teachings. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Sonja (Wright) Mullink
November 7, 2011
Phyllis, Ross, and Jason...My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family. Mr. Winks was an extraordinary human being, and I feel very lucky to have been his student.
November 7, 2011
Dear Winks family, please know that Mr. winks will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all. He was a great teacher.
Shannon King
Lori Harlan
November 7, 2011
Thinking of your family during this difficult time.
debi bowen
November 7, 2011
Phyllis, so sorry for your loss, you and your family will be in my prayers.
Debi Bowen
Chris Sherrock (Young)
November 7, 2011
Mr. Winks was a great teacher and always so kind, I have good memories of his classes. I'm so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Brandy Blanton Gorda
November 7, 2011
Mr. Winks was a wonderful teacher, he will be missed very much. So very sorry for your loss.
Laura Randolph
November 7, 2011
Phyllis, keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Jay was a great guy and a great teacher.
Laura Randolph
Sharon Beegle
November 7, 2011
Prayers are with you at this time.All the Beegle Family would like to give our condolances to your family.
From: Sharon, Theresa, Michelle, and Craig
November 7, 2011
Phyllis, Jason and family, Our hearts ache with your loss. We wish we had some words that could make your pain easier, or some insight as to how to get through this time. Please just know that even though we don't know what to say, I have been praying for your family and will continue to do so. May God hold all of you up in the days ahead. Fondly and in sympathy, Jerry and Nell Smock
Cindy Harlan
November 7, 2011
My thoughts are with you. So very sorry for your loss.
Shawn Burnley
November 7, 2011
Mr. Winks you will be missed by many I'm sure. Thank you for kindness whenever we spoke. I am blessed for having known you.
November 7, 2011
Phyllis, we were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our sympathy goes out to you and your family. Jim and Sharon Hill
Connie Bussey (Meyer)
November 7, 2011
I remember Mr. Winks as a wonderful teacher ... my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family. God Bless. Connie Bussey (Meyer)
robert robison
November 7, 2011
as the town barber and father of 4 of his students he will be sadly missed your family is in our prayes
Pam Eyer-Luttrull
November 7, 2011
My prayers are with the family. So sorry for your loss. I loved Mr. Winks. Awesome teacher!!
Sonya Cohn (Miller)
November 7, 2011
I remember Mr. Winks as such a fun, gentle and kind man. He will be missed by many.
Sandy Likes
November 7, 2011
Stan and I offer our condolences to the family. Jay was a kind and informed person. We are so sorry to hear about his passing.
Jay and Liz Sheedy
November 7, 2011
I was in one of Jay's first classes as a teacher at Pawnee. He was truly a gentleman who always had a smile and a kind word. Our kids grew up together & went to Pawnee schools together. Jay will be greatly missed by all. Our heartfelt sympathy to Phyllis, Ross, Jason and the entire Winks and Ward families.
Pamela Jenkins
November 7, 2011
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
John and Sue Stroup
November 7, 2011
You will be missed, Jay. Hugs and prayers for Phyllis and the family. We shared some wonderful moments all together in years gone by.
Matt & Kathy Williams
November 7, 2011
Jason & Family:
So sorry to hear of Richard's passing. May your memories bring you comfort in the difficult days ahead. You have a gaurdian angel watching over you. RIP
Richard
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