Joseph Emanuel Winger passed away on September 16, 2026, at the age of 79 in Kerrville, Texas.
Joseph was born in Yokohama, Japan on November 10, 1946. He was adopted into an Air Force family by Robert and Ruby Winger and arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii on June 7, 1952.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. and Ruby E. (Stephens) Winger and his younger adopted brother, Michael S. Winger.
Joseph is survived by his daughter, Kristi Barnes, her husband Robert and grandson William Barnes of Gladewater, TX, and his nephew, Roger Shane Freeman of San Antonio, TX and many Kerrville friends.
Joseph's family moved from Midland to Kerrville in 1987. He worked for a water well and pump contractor here and also at the Kerrville State Hospital where he received Certificates of Appreciation for his years of service. Joseph was a member of the Elks Lodge #2081 in Kerrville. Joseph especially loved working at Schreiner University where he was a landscaper for fifteen years. He loved God's green creation, trees, plants and flowers that he kept growing wherever he lived. Following a stroke in November 2024, Joseph moved to Riverhills Rehab to live. There he cared for his orchids and plants as he moved around his room in his wheelchair.
Joseph loved holidays, all holidays. Christmas was celebrated with German nutcrackers of all sizes and lots of Snoopy Hallmark ornaments. Easter brought out all of his colorful stuffed animals, bunnies and chicks and of course lots of colored eggs. Joseph's father was an Air Force veteran, and Joseph was patriotic, loving all things red, white and blue, and not just on the 4th of July. He always flew the American flag proudly. Joseph was honored to receive a Soldier's Cross Statue and plaque from Greystone Preparatory School while working at Schreiner University. Joseph also enjoyed Halloween with scary creatures, and lots of bags of candy for trick or treaters and for his serious sweet tooth.
Joseph dressed like a Texan in denim jeans, Western boots, and one of his many Gimme caps and loved listening to Country Music.
Joseph loved and cared for God's creatures wild and tame. He loved Schreiner University's white tail deer, his dogs, cats, and exotic birds.
Joseph adored his Fire Engine Red Mazda that he drove carefully around town.
He was a gentle soul with a kind heart and a giving spirit. He enjoyed the company of his friends over a cup of coffee, or a meal at Acapulco. We will miss him.
A memorial service is scheduled at 10 am Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Grimes Funeral Chapels, with Dr. Tim Summerlin officiating followed by inurnment at Garden of Memories Cemetery.
In memory of Joseph, plant a tree, tend a flower or adopt a pet. Joseph would like that.