Ronald Winder

Ronald E. Winder, 88

Nov. 11, 1935 – September 20, 2024

     Born in Muncie, to Edward and Virginia (Long) Winder, he graduated from Hartford City High School, then pursued his flying career.

     Ron graduated from Air Force flight training in Del Rio, Texas and was stationed at Stallings AFB in Kinston, North Carolina.  He was a fighter pilot in the Indiana National Guard and retired from the Air Force as a Major.

     While still in the Indiana Reserve Unit, he was hired by the Lake Central Airlines, which after several mergers, became US Air.  After twenty-five years, he retired as a Captain and enjoyed life in Florida; boating, running, biking and bowling.  He participated in leagues and tournaments and eventually ran his own successful bowling tournament, the F.S.S.B.

     Ron was an honest and generous man with a dry sense of humor.  He was known for passing out gold dollar coins and for being a good storyteller.  He loved sharing stories about his many flying expeditions, both in the military and commercial aviation…and he definitely enjoyed his cigars, both at home and his best friend’s smoke shop.

     Ron is preceded in death by his parents; his son Scott E. Winder; brother, Tom Winder; sister Nadine Kravis; his brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Jane Winder.

     He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his niece Marti (Tim) Brookie; his nephew, Bruce Winder; nieces Bobbi and Jama Kravis and many other family members and cherished friends.

     Services are at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19th, in the Waters Funeral Home, Hartford City, with Pastor John Barton presiding.  Burial following the service, with military rites, will be at the Hartford City Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends, will be from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home.

     Memorial contributions may be made to the Blackford Community Foundation, in lieu of flowers, P.O. Box 327, Hartford City, Indiana 47348, or any charity of your choosing.

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