Kenneth "Kenny" WINKLER

FUNERAL HOME

Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home - Nashville

201 25th Ave North

Nashville, Tennessee

Kenneth WINKLER Obituary

WINKLER, Kenneth "Kenny" EarlAge 68, was born January 29, 1942 and died January 4, 2011. Preceded in death by his parents, Jennie V. Davis Winkler and John Earl Winkler, Jr.; wife, Carol Lazarus Winkler. Survived by children, Kris McCabe and Kyle Winkler; stepchildren, Julie (Phil) Kramer and Perry (Beverly) Hytken; grandchildren, Erin McCabe, Jordan Kramer and Hannah Hytken; special devoted friends, Kenedy Egan and Charles (Andy) Anderson. Kenny was a guitar player in several local bands over the years, including: The Counts, The Chessman and Key Largo. He had a passion for Chet Akins "thumb picking" guitar music. He was also an avid golfer and retiree of the U.S. Postal Service. Thanks You to West Meade Place and Alive Hospice for the exceptional care the Kenny received. The family has honored Kenny's request to be cremated. A Celebration of Kenny's Life will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2011 from 2-4 p.m., at MARSHALL-DONNELLY-COMBS, 201 - 25th Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37203. (615) 327-1111.

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Published by The Tennessean on Jan. 5, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth WINKLER

13 Entries

Tom Fetherling

January 11, 2011

I first meet Kenny at West Nashville Heights Church of Christ back in the mid fifties. We became good friends in the late fifties when he had the Celtics. I bought a guitar and played a little with the band. I made them a nice case to keep all the amps in. Kenny's cousin, Wayne(also a postman as was his father and Kenny's father) was my friend at Cohn High School and worked at Krogers with me. Wayne and myself would always tag along when they had a play date.
I got married and we lost contact. In 1975 I was at a dance at the Springfield Country Club and when the band started playing I looked up and there was Kenny. I bought him drinks all night.
We crossed paths again in 1987. I got the band that he was in at that time to play at our 30th reunion.
I will never forget the good times we had in the late fifties.

Tom Fetherling, The Villages, Florida

Larry Perigo

January 8, 2011

I met Kenny in 1960 and we were instant best friends. While riding with him in his "new Impala" I was singing along with a song on the radio and he told me he played the guitar. I only thought he played football. (he was a real high school football star)
We ended up at his house with him playing the guitar and me singing.. and did this many times afterwards.. He invited me to sing a song with his band called "The Celtics". This was the beginning of my musical career. Later while I was a member of a band called "The Continentals" we were auditioning for a guitarist and I recommended Kenny. He actually replaced Jimi Hendrix who was our guitar player while we were the house band at the Del Moroco Club on Jefferson Street in 1963-64. We played in this band together for a couple of years. He encouraged me to take the postal exam and I bacame a letter carrier for 5 years. I was honored to be his best man in his first marriage.
I last spoke with Kenny via telephone about 5 years ago and we promised to keep in touch and get together but this never happened. In 1977 my career brought me to Hilton Head Island, SC where I have lived since and I am still a full time musician. I am the leader of a band called The Headliners (theheadliners.com). Thank you Kenny for starting on my life's path. I'm sure I am just one of many that have been influenced by your kindness.
Larry Perigo

Larry Perigo

January 8, 2011

I met Kenny in 1960 and we were instant friends. He was 20 and I was 18. He heard me singing along with a song on the radio while riding in his "new" Impala and told me he played guitar. We went to his house and he played and I sang. He invited me to sing a song with his band "The Celtics" and that was the beginning of my musical career. Later while I was a member of a band called The Continentals we were searching for a guitarist and I recommended Kenny. He actually replaced Jimi Hendrix who was our guitar player while we were the house band at the Del Moroco Club on Jefferson Street in 1963. We worked together for a couple of years. I was honored to be the best man at his wedding. He also encouraged me to take the postal exam, which I did and I worked as a mail carrier for 5 years. I last spoke with Kenny via phone about 5 years ago and we promised to get together and keep in touch but unfortunately that did not happen. It has been almost 51 years since I met Kenny and I am still a full time musician. My career led me to Hilton Head Island, SC in 1977 and I am the leader of a band called The Headliners. (theheadliners.com)
Kenny was a tremendous talent and by the grace of God I met him and he put me on my life's journey. Thank you Kenny. I'm sure I am only one of many that you influenced.
Larry Perigo

Bambi Vansant Grooms

January 7, 2011

I met Kenny when I was a child living on Lauderdale Rd and he was our mailman. I always looked forward to seeing him when I was out of school. We even shared music when I got older. I ran into him many years later after I was grown and married. Then, in the last year we reconnected on Facebook. I'm so sad to hear of his passing. He is many moments in my memories that I will never forget.
My thoughts go out to his family...

Douglas Veal

January 5, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss! God bless and keep you in his wonderful hands.

DENNY SHAFFER

January 5, 2011

I went to Antioch and Played football against Kenny. He was the best back I played againsT in my 4 years of high school.On a frigid friday night at Bellvue (mine and his senior year),he ran us off the field. I'll never forget him. Rest in Peace Kenny,

Don Ellenberg

January 5, 2011

For several years, when I was still in Nashville, I played golf with and got to know Kenny. A first class gentleman, a devoted husband and all round good guy. We'll all miss him. RIP, Kenny.

Buddy Troxel

January 5, 2011

Kenny was a tremendous guitar player that really loved life. We had some great times together in the Counts and remained friends for over 40 years. I am glad I got to see him last fall.

January 5, 2011

Remembered by his cousins Vicki Oats and Toni Gregory. Ken is the first of our generation to move on. Many memories of childhood fun and family go with him.

January 5, 2011

Kenny was a wonderful musician and a fine man. His fellow musicians will miss him.

Jim Wolfe (Peter and the Wolfe)

Gwen Hornberger

January 5, 2011

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

harold & gwen hornberger

January 5, 2011

we will cherish our fond memories of the times we shared with kenny. he was a pleasure to be around. he will be greatly missed.

Perry Hytken

January 5, 2011

Ken will always hold a special place in my heart.
His example on how he lived his life is something
I strive for every day.
You will be sorely missed by family and friends.
I know now you are in a much better place.
God Bless.

Love,

Perry Hytken

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