Gene C. Winkler

Middletown....Gene C. Winkler, 79, resident of Middletown, passed away at St. Johns Medical Center in Anderson, December 17, 2012.He was born in Estell County, KY, July 6, 1933, the son of Beechum U. and Vina Spivey Winkler.He retired from Fisher Guide in Anderson in 1983 after 31 years of service.He was a veteran of the Korean conflict serving in the US Army as a Corporal.He moved to Middletown in 1953 from Kenturcky and was a member of the Middletown Masonic Lodge F & AM #271, UAW 663, American Legion of Middletown and the Middletown Church of the Nazarene.He was preceded in death by his wives: Louise in 1975 and Nola (Abshire) Winkler in 2012.Survivors include his children: Karen (Jeff) Trennepohl of Middletown, Janet (Ted) Begley of Mechanicsburg, Clifford Abshire of Anderson, Andy Abshire of Alexandria, and Robin (Chris) Sanders of Middletown, 16 grandchildren: Sonya (Bobby) Haskett, Lindsey (Jerry) Wattenbarger, Jeremy Trennepohl (Elizabeth Herron), Chad Trennepohl (Sara Casey), Luke Sanders (Kristin), Christen, Isaac, and Hannah Sanders, Trevor (Katy) Abshire, Blake Abshire, Barry (Nathalia) Hanna, Dale Hanna, Samantha Abshire, Shawn (Audra) Begley, Tammy (Scott) Noel, and Jody Begley (Jenny), 12 great grandchildren, 1 sister: Bulah Richardson of Bera, KY, 1 brother: Simpson J. Winkler of Anderson, several nieces and nephews.He was also preceded in death by 2 sisters: Violet Hare and Eula DRake and 4 brothers: Pete, Irvin, William and B. U.. Winkler.Funeral services will be Friday at 11:00 am at the Middletown Church of the Nazarene, 698 North 5th, Middletown, with Dr. Philip C. Rogers officiaitng.Burial will follow in Miller Cemetery.Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 4-8 PM.Memorials may be made to the Middletown EMS and Fire Department.Online Guestbook at: www.ballardandsons.comThe Ballard family is honored to celebrate the life of Gene Winkler with family and friends.