Gary B. Winton

Gary B. Winton, 86, of Pierce City passed away on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, at his home. He was born in Joplin on Jan. 12, 1936; the son of Elmer and Jewell (Elrod) Winton. Winton graduated from Monett High School in 1954; then attended Southwest Missouri State for a year. Leaving college, he joined the Air Force and was stationed at Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, N.H. for four years. Winton married Freeda Wood on Friday, June 24, 1966, at the First United Methodist Church in Pierce City. Winton worked for Marsh Engineering where he was trained in welding and blueprint reading. Later, he worked for Monett School District where he taught students welding skills and how to read blueprints.
Winton trained his dog, Bullet, and together provided Military Security Guard services for bomber planes.  
Winton was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Monett.
Surviving are the following: his wife, Freeda of Pierce City; two daughters, Melissa (Bruce) Gregory of Republic, and Michele (Michael) Riddle of Gardner, Kan.; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Winton was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Jewell Winton, and a brother, James Winton.
There will be no formal visitation. Friends may call at Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City from 1-6 p.m on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022.
A celebration of life will be at Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, beginning at 3 p.m. with Pastor Doug Gripka officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Pierce City Cemetery in Pierce City. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association in care of the funeral home.  
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lakinfuneralhome.com.