Donald Winfree entered into rest on Feb. 20, 2011 in Manteca, California. He was born on Nov. 12, 1923 in Antioch, California to the late Mr. and Mrs. William and Margaret Winfree. He joins his wife in heaven Elaine Winfree.

Mr. Winfree is survived by his daughters Nancy Loyola of Mokelumne Hill and Noni Branscum of Manteca. He was blessed with four grandchildren Keith Rollins, Jana Branscum, Donald Branscum, and Troy Branscum. He has one great-granddaughter Samantha Shepard. In addition Donald has one sister Beverly Hofvendahl of Roseville.

Donald was honorably discharged after proudly serving his country through the United States Army. After his discharge Don decided to go into what he knew best “lumber”. Don knew the lumber business from working from the ground up with his father who was a wholesaler of lumber. He commonly teased with family and friends that he was “born with sawdust in his blood.” He began his lifelong lumber career with Modesto Piling shortly after his discharge from the Army. After Modesto Piling, Don then went to work for Diamond Lumber in Walnut Creek and later was transferred to the Manteca branch where he became manager in 1961. While at Diamond, Don was active in the Manteca Chamber of Commerce, serving as director and as vice president in 1964; which was the same time he held the office of president through the Kiwanis Club. Don was extremely respected in his community; he enjoyed being involved with Manteca Noon Kiwanis Club where he kept a perfect attendance for over 24 years as he was also enormously involved with the Chamber coffees and mixers. Don finally retired after 25 years of service with Diamond in 1986. After retirement Don went to work for Ace Hardware in Manteca and Ripon as he still remained active in his community. Don was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Manteca and The American Legion. Some of Don’s favorite past-times were camping, golfing, fishing, wood carving, and traveling with his wife Elaine in their RV. Don will be remembered as a devoted father, a loyal husband, a loving brother and an amazing grandfather. He will be missed by all who loved him.

Mr. Winfree’s services are being handled by P. L. Fry & Son Funeral Home of Manteca. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (North & Powers). Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 910 E. North St. Manteca, Ca. 95336. An online guest book is available for condolences and special messages at www.plfryandson.com