John Robert Winter, 76, entered into rest on September 28, 2010 in Stockton, California. He was born on May 17, 1934 in Hutchinson, Kansas to the late Herbert and Olga Winter. He is preceded in death by his brothers, James Winter and Richard Winter.
Mr. Winter is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine, whom he courted with for 11 years and recently took it one step further as he asked for her hand in marriage just 11 months ago. He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Teena) of Kansas, and sister-in-law Lori Winter (James) of Missouri.
His two sons are Jon Winter (Jennifer) and Eric Winter (Carla), both of Livermore. He was blessed with five grandchildren, Nickolas, Victoria, Sierra, Orion and Ayden Winter.
John was also very proud to call Elaine’s family his own through her children, grandchildren and especially enjoyed her great grandchildren; Marissa B., Mario, Mya, Kayden, Aubrey, Kaine, Caanen, Zionn, Marissa W., Faythe and Ariana.
John proudly served his country through the United States Navy, beginning with flight school at Pensacola Naval Air Station, where he learned to pilot many different aircraft. He served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga, flying helicopter search and rescue missions. He also served for a number of years in many capacities, including JAG, at Fallon NAS in Fallon, Nevada.
John was a wonderful singer and became a member of the Navy Chorus at Pensacola. The Chorus performed in many places but John was most proud of their performances before President Eisenhower and Vice-President Nixon at the Whitehouse and at Arlington National Cemetery.
Following the completion of his Naval career, John retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He became a commercial pilot for TWA, retiring after 32 years. He was a member of the Airline Pilots Union, American Legion and a charter member of the Elks Lodge #2239 in Fallon, Nevada.
Starting with kindergarten, John maintained a lifelong friendship with his classmates. He was proud to serve on the committee for the 50th reunion of his alma mater, Buhler High School, Class of 1952. He and Elaine enjoyed a wonderful time attending the three-day event.
He was an outstanding athlete, participating in basketball, football and track. He had the distinction of setting a new record at Buhler by scoring 23 points in one basketball game. In his spare time John loved spending time in the outdoors, fishing and hunting. He was an avid sports fan, loved the Oakland Raiders and enjoyed watching all of the sporting events on TV, but was especially fond of college football and basketball.
John had a wonderful life and traveled all over the world, but was extremely humble regarding his many accomplishments. He will be remembered for his giving spirit and extraordinary sense of humor, and will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Mr. Winter’s services are being handled by P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home of Manteca, 290 N. Union Road, Manteca. Visitation will be held on Monday, Oct. 4, 2010, from 9 to 11 a.m., and immediately followed by a Celebration of Life service.
Graveside services will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi, CA.
An on-line guest book is available for condolences or special messages to the family at www.plfryandson.com.
Mr. Winter is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine, whom he courted with for 11 years and recently took it one step further as he asked for her hand in marriage just 11 months ago. He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Teena) of Kansas, and sister-in-law Lori Winter (James) of Missouri.
His two sons are Jon Winter (Jennifer) and Eric Winter (Carla), both of Livermore. He was blessed with five grandchildren, Nickolas, Victoria, Sierra, Orion and Ayden Winter.
John was also very proud to call Elaine’s family his own through her children, grandchildren and especially enjoyed her great grandchildren; Marissa B., Mario, Mya, Kayden, Aubrey, Kaine, Caanen, Zionn, Marissa W., Faythe and Ariana.
John proudly served his country through the United States Navy, beginning with flight school at Pensacola Naval Air Station, where he learned to pilot many different aircraft. He served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga, flying helicopter search and rescue missions. He also served for a number of years in many capacities, including JAG, at Fallon NAS in Fallon, Nevada.
John was a wonderful singer and became a member of the Navy Chorus at Pensacola. The Chorus performed in many places but John was most proud of their performances before President Eisenhower and Vice-President Nixon at the Whitehouse and at Arlington National Cemetery.
Following the completion of his Naval career, John retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He became a commercial pilot for TWA, retiring after 32 years. He was a member of the Airline Pilots Union, American Legion and a charter member of the Elks Lodge #2239 in Fallon, Nevada.
Starting with kindergarten, John maintained a lifelong friendship with his classmates. He was proud to serve on the committee for the 50th reunion of his alma mater, Buhler High School, Class of 1952. He and Elaine enjoyed a wonderful time attending the three-day event.
He was an outstanding athlete, participating in basketball, football and track. He had the distinction of setting a new record at Buhler by scoring 23 points in one basketball game. In his spare time John loved spending time in the outdoors, fishing and hunting. He was an avid sports fan, loved the Oakland Raiders and enjoyed watching all of the sporting events on TV, but was especially fond of college football and basketball.
John had a wonderful life and traveled all over the world, but was extremely humble regarding his many accomplishments. He will be remembered for his giving spirit and extraordinary sense of humor, and will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Mr. Winter’s services are being handled by P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home of Manteca, 290 N. Union Road, Manteca. Visitation will be held on Monday, Oct. 4, 2010, from 9 to 11 a.m., and immediately followed by a Celebration of Life service.
Graveside services will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi, CA.
An on-line guest book is available for condolences or special messages to the family at www.plfryandson.com.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010
Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010
