Jerry Dale Winton

Jerry Dale Winton was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 11th, 1940 to Myrtle Lou and Melvin Winton. He was the elder brother of siblings Mike and Brenda Winton. As a young man, Jerry was fascinated with cars. Once, when he was in the hospital, he amazed his father by identifying all the cars that passed by the window just by the sound of their engines. Jerry soon began building his own race cars and winning championships in drag racing. This love of automobiles was a lifelong passion, as he worked for years to restore his dream car, a 1972 Monte Carlo. As a teenager, Jerry could be found cruising around town, visiting the local hamburger stands with his best friend, David Lee. Jerry loved classic 1950s rock-n-roll; in particular, his hero was Elvis Presley.

In 1965, as war broke out, Jerry answered his country’s call of duty with a sense of bravery and honor that harkened back to an earlier time. Jerry utilized his mechanical skills by joining the Navy Seabees, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. In harm’s way, Jerry designed buildings that would protect the other troops. Jerry was seriously wounded in Vietnam, as he fell and injured his legs during an attack. Jerry declined to receive the Purple Heart, stating, with characteristic humility, “I just tripped over some benches.”

Jerry earned a degree in Engineering at the University of Texas in Arlington and worked as a professional mechanical engineer. Jerry loved to design big machines, everything from buses to water treatment facilities to oil rigs. He worked over forty years as an engineer, designing countless machines that have been used for the benefit of an untold number of people.

Jerry married Nancy King on June 2, 1969. Jerry and Nancy were blessed with two children, Cindy and Stephen. The beloved husband and father took pride in his role as family protector. He suffered from a nerve condition called trigeminal neuralgia, which caused constant pain in his face since 1983; yet despite this he went to work every day to provide for his family. His son recalls how he took the time to pass on his knowledge, in everything from building model cars to making repairs to real ones. In later years, Jerry showed his love to his grandchildren, James and Paloma, as well. He would regularly make the five hour trip from Fort Worth to Houston to be at his grandchildren’s birthdays and special occasions. Always thinking of them, Jerry would bring little gifts for his grandkids to every visit. In fact, only a few days before his untimely death, he opened an insurance policy for the benefit of his six month old granddaughter.

Jerry was a man who always liked to keep busy with his many hobbies. He was a ham radio operator and loved to chat with others across the airwaves. As stated above, Jerry loved old cars and would go to swap meets looking for rare parts. He enjoyed going to drag races, watching the Indy 500 and Nascar, and visiting classic car shows.

It has been said that actions speak louder than words. Jerry was a man of few words, but his hard work and dedication let his family know how much he loved them. Moreover, Jerry was a role model through his struggles and tenacity. Everyone who knew him was inspired by his determination to do whatever it took to take care of those who needed him.

Jerry died on June 25th, 2011 in Fort Worth, Texas at age 70, the victim of vehicular homicide.

Jerry died doing what he thought was right, trying to stop a dangerous man from leaving the scene of a crime. The senseless act that robbed him from his family and friends cannot erase the memory of a man who endured and triumphed over life’s adversities with quiet nobility.

Jerry Winton is survived by his wife Nancy Winton, his children Cindy King and Stephen Winton, his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, his two grandchildren, James and Paloma, and his siblings Mike Winton and Brenda Clark.