Rev. Neil Castle Winslow

A graduate of Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Neil achieved a Bachelor's degree from Tulsa University in 1953, and a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in 1955.

For nearly 60 years, Neil served as a student (Highland Park UMC, Dallas) and ordained minister in the Texas and Oklahoma Conferences of the United Methodist Church. Appointments included: First UMC of Wichita Falls, Texas. St. Luke's; the Conference Office in Oklahoma City; Nichols Hills; Adair; Ponca City and Lindsay.

Neil was a trail blazer, involved in national think tanks and work groups. He hatched and encouraged formal training standards of leadership and curriculum singularly focused on faith development sensitive to the exact needs of youth, adolescents and young adults.

Involved in the Ecumenical Institute, now the Institute of Cultural Affairs and the Christian Educators Fellowship Neil believed interfaith dialogue and networking were healthy actions to a peaceable life. Neil was a strong supporter of the Youth Leadership Training Event, Human Sexuality Workshops and Wilderness Camp. Neil spent untold hours gathering with others and sharing ideas to improve youth and parent faith life.

Neil was well known as: story teller; visionary; human rights activist; writer; educator; artist; new games leader; clown; dancer; camper; gardener; cook; community leader; underground newspaper editor; audio visual experimenter, home renovator,; fund raiser and singer among other things. Neil enlisted his various talents to help persons under his care understand and find engaging, creative ways to participate in modern Christian life, the arts, public education and cooperative communities. Neil acted as a mentor and a consultant throughout Oklahoma, and across the nation on topics too numerous to mention, independent of his role as minister.

Known affectionately by some as Cecil B. DeNeil, due to his lifelong Mickey Rooney-like “let's put on a show!” skills, Neil could make most anything into a production.

Neil married Katherine Skalnik in Tulsa, August 5, 1955. They welcomed three children in following years.

Neil is survived by his wife, Kathye; son and daughter-in-law Stephen and Linda Winslow their children: Marshall, Lain and Briana of Richardson, Texas; son, Peter Winslow of Oklahoma City; daughter, Diana Winslow also of OKC, and her daughter Allyson Kenelm Hoare of Washington, DC. Neil's remaining living sibling, James Thomas Winslow, resides in Wagoner, Oklahoma.

Neil is preceded in death by his Father, Edward Kenelm Winslow, Sr; Mother, Mary Castle Winslow; brother Edward Kenelm Winslow Jr. and step-brother Jeffrey Winslow.

Neil leaves behind an almost unheard of cast of friends and extended family who all were touched by teachings and calls to share The Word through everyday life.

Memorial Services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 10, 2017 at Grace United Methodist Church, 6316 N. Tulsa Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Skyline Urban Ministry, 500 S.E. 15th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73129.

Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.