David Winger, 81, of Palestine, IL, passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Timber Creek Village Assisted Living of Robinson, IL. Dave was a man who lived with a spirited heart and a twinkle in his eye, embodying kindness, mischief, and an unwavering sense of adventure throughout his life. Born on December 7, 1942, in Effingham, IL, to Glen & Reba (Clements) Winger, Dave grew up in Robinson, where he developed a love for fast cars and noisy engines. He was known for his hot-rod antics—rumbling down the streets, pipes roaring, and sometimes even running folks off the road, all in good fun. He graduated from Robinson High School in 1961, and shortly after, joined the United States Air Force, where he began a twenty-year career working on Titan II missiles as a Propellant Transfer Specialist. His service took him across the world, from Las Vegas to Okinawa, Japan, and later to Little Rock, Rantoul, and Tucson, before retiring with honor.
Upon his eventual return home, Dave’s life was one of humble service. He helped repair lawn mowers and served as a custodian at the Robinson First United Methodist Church and Nuttall Middle School before retiring. Through it all, Dave lived by the values instilled in him through his upbringing and military career: hard work, attention to detail, and helping others whenever possible. And help others, he did. He had a generous heart, and there was no task too small or too large when it came to offering a helping hand. His love for his family was immeasurable. Whether it was helping Christy work on her bike while he tinkered on his car, or offering life lessons to his grandchildren—Dave always made time to nurture those around him. He taught them not only how to fix engines or craft woodworking projects but also how to show respect for elders, the importance of hard work, and how to be selfless in service to others. He was there for every birthday, ballgame, and graduation—a true testament to his love and devotion.
Dave loved traveling with Judy, especially in their retirement, and his lifelong dream was to travel the country in an RV, soaking in the sights. He loved spending time outdoors, meticulously tending to his yard and driving around in his golf cart with his four-legged companion, Max. Dave was never without his trusty dog by his side—sitting together on the “dog porch,” watching the world go by, solving the world’s problems in their own quiet way. His favorite place, however, was his shop—a dream come true that took the form of a two-car garage filled with tools and projects, a testament to his industrious creativity. Dave was happiest there, making things for Judy to make her life a little easier, tinkering on his toys, and always finding something to build or improve. If it had an engine, Dave could fix it, and if it could be crafted by hand, he could make it.
His life was filled with simple joys—Oreo cookies, 3:00 p.m. snack times, which always included popcorn and an invitation for anyone around to join, and the love of his grandkids and great-grandkids, who marveled at the way he could wiggle his ears! After all, Dave never lost his inner-child. He loved to pull pranks, tell tall tales, and his mischievous nature often had him in cahoots with his daughter Christy, to the gentle exasperation of his wife, Judy. He had a way of lighting up the room with his smart-aleck remarks and the belly laughs that inevitably followed, his laughter often bringing him to tears. As we say goodbye, we remember that his laughter, his stories, and his unwavering spirit live on in each of us. May we carry forward his youthful joy for life and the love he gave so abundantly—until we meet again.
He is survived by his daughter, Christy (Lollie) Winger; his step-children, David Reinbold and Cathy Horner; his grandchildren, Kayla (Rob) Malone, Samantha (Jevon) Pearse, Sarah (Dylan) Mason, Kurt (Stephanie) Bramel, and Wyatt Bramel; his great-grandchildren, Hannah, Carter, Easton, Harrison, and Tucker; and, of course, his dog and four-legged companion, Max. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen & Reba; his brother, Allen Winger; and his beloved wife, Judy Winger.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16th, at the Palestine Cemetery. During the service, family and friends will be given the opportunity to share their favorite memories of Dave. In honor of his years working on the Titan II missile, memorial contributions may be made to the “Pima Air & Space Museum” which runs the Titan Missile Museum. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements. For more information, or to share a memory or condolence online, please visit www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com.
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