OBITUARY

David Boyd Winkler, 78, of St. Clair, Missouri, peacefully passed in his sleep on August 27, 2026.

David was born January 7th, 1948, in Macon, Missouri, to Joe and Wilma Winkler. Most of his early childhood was spent with his family in Macon but they also lived for a time in upstate New York. However, Macon remained close to their hearts, so they returned to the city they truly called home. There, he met the love of his life, Debra Sue Kerr. The two fell in love and were united in marriage on September 5th, 1970, in her parents’ home. David and Debra spent nearly 56 years together.

While living in Macon, David worked for the State of Missouri Highway Department. When the family moved from Macon to St. Clair, David began a new chapter in his career as a Project Manager for Premier Homes. During his time there, David supervised the construction of many homes in the St. Louis community, leaving behind work that will continue to stand for years to come.

David was a man who showed his love for his family through what he did for them. When his father-in-law reached the end of his life, David helped care for him. Family was also at the center of many of the traditions he enjoyed most. The many hunting and fishing trips he shared with his children, grandchildren and siblings were among the highlights of his life. Spending time with family on the many trips to Navarre Beach, Gatlinburg, and Branson, as well as catching up with generations of the extended Winkler family at reunions, also held a special place in David’s heart.

His grandchildren brought him tremendous joy. His family will remember the way his face would light up when his granddaughters ran to greet him with a hug, and the familiar affection in the simple “Hey there, buddy” with which he greeted his grandsons. These small moments, along with countless others, reflected the love David had for his family and will remain among the memories they carry with them.

David is survived by his wife, Debra of St. Clair, MO; his children: David (Erica) Winkler of Westwood, MO; Danielle Young of Arnold, MO; and Dena (Michael) Johnson of Kirkwood, MO; his grandchildren: Bryce Young, Chase Young, Mackenzie Winkler, Logan Winkler, Aubree Johnson, and Raelyn Winkler; his brother, Lavon (Lora) Winkler of Hot Springs, AR; his sister, Patricia (Scott) Eisenmann of Moreland, GA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Lee and Wilma Faye Winkler; his brothers, Donald Lee and Bobby Jo Winkler; and his beloved grandchildren, Mia Young and Stanley Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the Alzheimer's Association .