William Henry Winter

William Henry Winter, age 82 died October 7, 2022 in Newton Kansas, one month after his beloved wife Margaret.

William (Bill) was born in Wichita, Kansas to Roy and Alice Winter. As a child Bill was often with family helping his family with chores. He could be found tending the garden, doing yard work, sometimes at work with his father, and helping his Aunt Lettie grade school work. Bill was a middle child with an older sister Pearl and a younger sister Carol.

In High School he was involved in the Hi-Y club, a YMCA branch where he enjoyed softball and basketball. He played the euphonium in the band and took part in singing groups. Bill also enjoyed participating in theater and was active in the local Brethren Youth Group. During district Brethren Youth retreats and conferences he met Margaret Lehman from western Kansas. As seniors they took a youth bus trip to New York and Washington DC, spending much time together. Their relationship continued while attending McPherson College, leading to marriage during their senior year.

Bill graduated with a teaching degree and immediately began teaching science, which he continued until his retirement. He and Margaret began a family in 1962 and were avidly involved in all parts of raising two sons. Bill was always committed and close to his family, including watching over and taking care of his aunts, uncle and mother. Bill’s values were visible in the way he lived. He believed in working hard, getting things done, doing tasks right, sharing generously and serving others. Bill also loved being outdoors, hiking, fishing, camping and of course rockhounding during his travels with family.

Nearing his retirement from Wichita Public Schools he purchased a farm in Sumner County. Bill was an active member and volunteer with the Church of the Brethren, including helping rebuild homes after disasters and being part of disaster childcare teams. He modeled his beliefs and interests, his sons learned and adopted many of these characteristics. He was known to say that he was born in the wrong century, enjoying a wood fire, slower pace and lots of time outdoors working the land. His son Perry and wife Juli, son Roy and wife Lisa, grandsons Jesse, Brady, Dilan and granddaughter Sadie, sibling Pearl and many extended family members will continue to feel the loss of all Bill represented.

He is preceded in death by his father Roy R Winter, mother Alice Garnett Winter and sister Carol.

A Celebration of Life gathering for the family is being planned for a later time. Memorial donations can be made to Brethren Disaster Ministries at https://churchofthebrethren.givingfuel.com/bdm or by sending a check to Brethren Disaster Ministries, 601 Main Street, New Windsor, MD 21776.  Please add Bill Winter Memorial to the memo line of check or online donations.