Paul D. Winter, 89, of Wataga, Illinois, passed away Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville.
Paul was born Dec. 5, 1936, in Nyack, New York, the son of Russell and Theresa A. (Muller) Winter. He married Edith E. King on Feb. 15, 1958, in Nanuet, New York.
He is survived by two daughters, Susan (Ronald) Beebe of Dahinda, Illinois, and Ruth Ann (Bud) Barrett of Apalachin, New York; and two grandsons, Benjamin Beebe and Nathaniel Beebe. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Edith; his parents; one sister, Theresa Lent; and one brother, Russell N. Winter.
Paul served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1957 to 1965. After working as service manager for Albany Avenue Garage in Kingston, New York, for more than 20 years, he worked for and retired from Clemson University as an electrician.
In early retirement, he and Edith traveled the country in their fifth wheel while volunteering with RVICS to complete mission projects at Christian camps, conference centers, churches, and schools. They enjoyed their many adventures across the United States, with their favorite trip a summer spent in Alaska. They later lived in McNeal, Arizona, donating their time and talents to New Tribes Mission Aviation (now Ethnos360 Aviation) before moving to Wataga.
Paul was known for his mechanical inclinations and hands-on skills. He enjoyed tackling projects around the house, gardening, and fishing. He always said how lucky he was to have the neighbors he did. And he was always up for a cup of coffee and a donut.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at The Oaks Community Church, 1868 Congregation Road, Dahinda, Illinois, with funeral services following at 11 a.m. Pastor Dean Lane will officiate. Burial will follow at Sparta Township Cemetery in Wataga, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to The Oaks Community Church. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
