SGM (Ret) John Robert Winch

SGM Retired John Robert Winch, age 80, of Harker Heights, Texas passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. He was born on November 2, 1942 to the late Mr. James and Mrs. Velma Winch in Potosi Missouri. He met his wife, Bernice M. Winch in Missouri in 1968. They were married in holy matrimony on November 15, 1969 in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. They were married for 49 years. They had their one and only cherished daughter, Christy Turck, in July of 1970.

John joined the United States Marine Corps at 17 years of age in 1960 when he drove across the country on a motorcycle to San Diego, CA for his first duty station. He served a tour in Okinawa, Japan as a Marine. He joined the United States Army in April 1965, where he served as a Petroleum Supply Specialist. During his time in the Army, he served tours in Vietnam, Korea, and Honduras. He retired as a Sergeant Major in July of 1990 at Ft. Hood, Texas.

During his time in the Army, he was awarded the following: Legion of Merit; Bronze Star with Valor; Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Good Conduct Medal (9th Award); Good Conduct Medal (USMC); National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Service Stars; NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 5); Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Air Assault Badge; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Badge with Palm (3rd Award), and the Expert Badge Rifle (M16); He also obtained the Meritorious Unit Citation; Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

After retirement from the Army, he had a career in truck driving for JB Hunt and also retired as a prison guard for Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Once he retired from TDCJ, he enjoyed being a husband, dad, and papa to 4 grandchildren. He took advantage of the time to travel all over the country with his wife. He also enjoyed collecting coins and rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. He will also always be remembered for his impeccable green thumb and his love for animals.

John is survived by his daughter, Christy Turck; Grandchildren, Deanna, Ryan, John, and Ashley Turck; Sister, Cindy Paroski and multiple nieces and nephews including his nephew Chris Paroski.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice M. Winch; his parents, James and Velma Winch and Siblings, Frances Pennington, James Winch, and Richard Winch.

A Viewing will be held on April 6, 2023 from 5:00PM-7:00 PM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023 at 9:00 AM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home followed by the Committal Service with Full Military Honors at 11:00 AM at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowersfuneralhome.com for the Winch family.