It is with extreme sadness that the family of Thomas R. Winkler announce his peaceful passing due to natural causes on June 20 th , 2021 at the age of 75. Tom, as he was known, was born on September 9 th , 1945 to Leroy C. and Henrietta Winkler in Shiner, Texas. The 2 nd of six children, three boys and three girls, he was always kind and slow to anger, a trait he exhibited his entire life.

He graduated from W.B. Ray high school in 1964 while working at Modern TV where he eventually became co-owner. His work at Modern TV was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army in 1966 and sent to fight in Vietnam. He returned home in 1967 after receiving the Purple Heart for wounds he sustained honorably defending his country. Even through he frequently referred to his Military Service as "just something he had to do", he could be frequently seen wearing his Big Red One or his Vietnam Veteran cap. Later he became a Home Builder and a Master Cabinet Maker working with his close friend Duane Brewer. His work ethic and attention to detail highlighted in his skill with woodworking. Tom was also an outdoorsman enjoying hunting and especially fishing with his son whenever he got the chance. He loved auto racing and followed NASCAR religiously. He was most often be found in his "man cave" enjoying the races or watching old westerns featuring his favorites Clint Eastwood and John Wayne. Tom was welcomed home by his parents Leroy C. and Henriette, his brothers Patrick and Leroy J. and his brother-in-law Chris.

Tom will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Judy Mayberry Winkler, his daughter Kathryn Beach and husband Matthew of Chesapeake, VA. and Tom Winkler Jr. and wife, Sharon of Corpus Christi.

He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Whitney Winkler, Bailey Jensen, Gavin Beach and Finley Beach; his sisters, Carolyn Crawford, Leanne Cass with Jay Cass, Joyce Winkler and sister-in law Beth Garrett; his nieces and nephews, Kevin Hernandez, Ashley Winkler, Casey Hernandez, Cody Cass, Dustin Cass and step-nephew Stephen Nehr;

His loss will be deeply felt by his numerous cousins especially those in San Antonio including Dennis Winkler (Linda), Billy Winkler, Junior Winkler and Robert Winkler as well as countless friends. He was the absolute best of us and led by example as a devoted husband and a doting father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He always reminded us to "Just be Nice".

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 24 th at Guardian Funeral Home, 5922 Crosstown Access Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78417 from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, June 25 th , at VFW Post 3837, 12030 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX 78410 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VFW Post 3837 in Tom's name.