Frank Phillip And Nancy Carole Winkler

Frank Phillip Winkler, 81, and Nancy Carole Winkler, 82, of Knoxville, went to be with Jesus on Sunday, February 5, 2023. After nearly 60 years of marriage, they are survived by their three children, Todd (and his wife Dawn) of Lake Forest, California, Wendy Bauman (and her husband Tim) of Orangeville, Ontario, Canada), and Troy (and his wife Sarah) of Knoxville, Tennessee; their nine grandchildren: Zachary, Kyle, Joseph, Luke, Daniel, Kate, Christa, Owen, and Levi; Phil’s sister Ava; Nancy’s sister Dorothy; and many nieces and nephews. Phil was born on May 17, 1941 and was raised in Southern California. After graduating from San Diego State University, he proudly joined the US Air Force as an officer. He served two heroic tours of duty in Vietnam as a fighter pilot. Additionally, he served as a flight instructor and flew many high-ranking officials on classified missions. He was assigned to and stationed at many military bases resulting in the family living in various locations around the US and Europe. Phil concluded his service with distinction as a Lieutenant Colonel at the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia where he was an esteemed instructor. Nancy was born on November 17, 1940 and was also raised in Southern California. She graduated from San Diego State University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics and intended to become a flight attendant. Nancy faithfully raised Todd, Wendy, and Troy, and taught home economics. She served alongside Phil, eagerly leading and caring for her family and many others around her. She fulfilled the role as a military wife which often required solo efforts taking care of those on the home front. She was a woman of great hospitality and generosity. Nancy was known for regularly hosting people in her home for meals, fellowship, and ministry. She always had a song on her heart, whistling and humming a hymn, wearing a smile as she went through her day. Nancy was fun-loving, adventurous, and always encouraging others. Phil and Nancy met while attending San Diego State University and began their whirlwind short engagement. Nancy was in her first week of flight attendant training and received a telegram from Phil asking her to marry him. She immediately flew home, and they were married within six weeks, just before Phil’s first deployment. During the 20 years in the Air Force, they moved around the world and lived in more than 25 places, including Germany, Greece, and most of the southern United States. Following retirement from the United States Air Force in 1984, Phil and Nancy moved to Dallas, Texas, where Phil started his second career as a student at Dallas Theological Seminary. Upon his graduation from DTS, they were called by Berean Mission to oversee their operations in the Pacific Islands, based in Maui, Hawaii. Phil became the pastor at Paipala Church and served with joy and enthusiasm for 30 years. They were meaningfully involved in the lives of their congregation and created another family there. Phil served on the board of Doris Todd Memorial Christian Academy for much of their time in Maui. The impact of their ministry on Maui is immeasurable. Upon their second retirement, Phil and Nancy moved to Knoxville, to be closer to family. Nancy especially cherished family time. God blessed her and the entire family as they were able to gather last month for a memorable time of celebration and togetherness. Phil and Nancy were passionate about God’s word and studied daily and loved teaching it and sharing with others. They lived out Colossians 1:10: That you may live a life worthy of the Lord and pleasing him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in the knowledge of God. They will both be buried at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Doris Todd Christian Academy. Visit their website to learn more http://doristoddchristian.org/ or go directly here to donate: https://dor-hi.client.renweb.com/renweb/donateonline/web/System_giving.cfm?District=DOR- HI&SchoolCode= “Commending his servant, the master replied, ‘You have done well, and proven yourself to be my loyal and trustworthy servant. Because you were faithful to manage a small sum, now I will put you in charge of much, much more.’” Matthew 25:23 Well done good and faithful servants.