Donald A. Wintrode, 93, of Orange, Texas went to his spiritual home on December 31, 2015 while staying at The Meadows nursing facility.  A memorial was held at their home for family and friends.
Don was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 22, 1922 to Loren Allen and Hazel May Kerslake Wintrode. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Robert, Edwin, and Charlotte.  Don joined the Coast Guard in 1942 where he would meet the love of his life, Jane. They were married on July 18, 1944. They celebrated over 71 years together.
Don and his wife, Jane Elizabeth Dean Wintrode, were residents of Orange where they attended First Baptist Church of Bridge City together. Prior to Orange, Don and Jane lived in Groves, TX where they were members of Woodcrest Baptist Church where he led singing, and the First Baptist Church of Port Neches.
Don worked for Sears Roebuck in Port Arthur for 37 years where his passion for people poured into his work. Don’s contagious laughter, smiles, and welcoming conversation were his trademark!
They had two daughters, Sheryl Lynn Wintrode Thorpe and her husband Len of Euless, TX and Kathryn Diane Wintrode Petry and her husband Michael Petry of Orange, TX. Both Sheryl and Len preceded Don in death.
Don had six grandchildren: Matthew and Karie Durham of College Station, TX; Lucas Durham, which also preceded Don in death; Matthew and Billie Thorpe of Durango, CO; Micah and Greta Petry of Baton Rouge, LA; Derek and Jill Petry of Des Moines, IA, and Kathryn Elizabeth Petry of Orange. He also had 11 great grandchildren.