Rev. John Winkler, Jr.

John H. Winkler Jr., known by most as "Jack", was welcomed into eternity on Sunday, January 8, 2023. Jack was born on May 19, 1932 to Martha DeGroot and John H. Winkler, Sr. in Macon, MO. Jack graduated high school in 1950 as a Mutual Eagle basketball team captain. He then enrolled at Okla A & M Stillwater (now known as OSU). He majored in History and aspired to be a basketball coach. At OSU, he enlisted in ROTC thus obligating to serve four years in the US Air Force after finishing college. While in the USAF, Jack was promoted quickly to First Lieutenant and offered the rank of Captain should he stay enlisted. While serving, Jack married the love of his life, Aleta Imogene Bowers from Tyrone, OK. And as life would have it, falling in love and starting a family kept him from accepting extended tours. Jack heard the ministerial calling, left the Air Force, and became a Methodist minister thereby following in the footsteps of his father. Once serving a pastorate, Jack enrolled in the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University where he earned a Masters Degree in Theology. While Jack was studying to become an ordained minister, he continued pastoring local churches. Jack served numerous churches across the State of Oklahoma. He began his ministry in 1958 in Lexington, OK. For the next 39 years, Rev. John H. "Jack" Winkler pastored Methodist churches in the communities of Sulphur, Leedey, Hominy, Muskogee, Oklahoma Conference Youth & Camps, Mooreland, Del City, Kingfisher and NW OKC. Jack retired from ministry while serving the Methodist church in Blanchard. Jack and Aleta moved to NW Oklahoma City to retire, but chose to continue serving by accepting an appointment to the Methodist church in Washington.Jack enjoyed bird watching, "Master Gardening" with Aleta, watching Western TV shows and movies, Thunder Basketball, OSU athletics, Dallas Cowboys, playing tennis, family vacations, road tripping and cruising. He adored his entire family. Especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He said on more than one occasion, "What we don't have in quantity, we sure make up for it in quality!" He was proud of his family. Jack's life was an example of what it looks like to follow Christ. He was devoted to the study of the Word and practiced the spiritual discipline of prayer avidly. Jack heard the Lord say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." And that Jack was.Jack is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Aleta; son, James Gregory; brother, Robert; sister, Roberta; and parents, Martha and John. Jack is survived by son, John C. Winkler of TX; daughter, Stephanie Winkler Bouc of CA; three grandchildren, Alison Winkler Goodnight and her husband Cody Goodnight; Maris Bouc and Elliott Bouc; and three great-grandchildren, Noah, Lyla and Luke Goodnight, as well as many friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Oklahoma Methodist Foundation: Turpin UMC WINKLER ENDOWMENT FUND #6587 4201 N. Classen Blvd OKC, OK 73118-2415. "And we know that all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28