Elmo W. Winkler Jr.

Elmo Winkler Jr.
February 18, 1942 - March 12, 2023

Visitation will be 5 to 7:00 PM, Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton.
Funeral will be held 10:00 AM, Friday, March 17, 2023, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in The Grove.

Elmo Winkler Jr. age 81, of The Grove passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Baylor Scott & White Hospital surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Elmo Jr. was born to Elmo Winkler Sr. and Mamie (Schkade) Winkler, on February 18, 1942.  Elmo’s education consisted of St. Paul Lutheran School, Belton High School and Temple Junior College.  While in high school Elmo played on the Belton Tiger football team. He worked at American Desk Manufacturing Company in Temple Texas for ten years starting out as a welder and becoming a highly skilled tool and die maker.  Elmo began to work for Central Freight Lines in 1972 as an over the road line driver; having just short of three million miles of safe driving in 29 years.  Elmo later drove for Charles Graham at JC Bar Trucking of Gatesville, hauling cattle to Kansas and Oklahoma feed yards. Elmo married Peggy Brown on April 27, 1962.  They were married for over sixty years and raised an incredible family with an admirable closeness.

Elmo will most be remembered for his incredible strength and work ethic, along with a love for “collecting.” He was often admired for his driving abilities and was joked about how others could not keep up; (keeping the left door closed.)  He loved taking his grandchildren camping, showing them how to work on equipment and letting them get into things their parents would not necessarily approve of.

Elmo is survived by his wife, of sixty years, Peggy Winkler, three children; daughter, Susan Winkler Dossey and husband, John Dossey, son, Mike Winkler and wife, Marci Winkler, son, Matt Winkler and wife, Jill Winkler.  Seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, one brother, Glen Winkler and wife, Mary, and numerous nephews and nieces.