Jerry Lynn “Shanks” VanWinkle was born Mar. 17, 1940, and passed away Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, at the age of 83. Shanks proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Sgt. in the 3rd Armoured Division. He worked for several years as a heavy equipment operator, road foreman with the Beauregard Parish Police Jury and retired as an operator from the Beauregard Parish Police Jury. In his spare time, he raised cattle and loved to visit with his family and friends.
He is survived by his son, Charles Lee VanWinkle and wife, Lori; grandchildren, Sarah VanWinkle and David VanWinkle; brothers, Jeril “Shorty” VanWinkle and wife, Evalena, and Robert “Red” VanWinkle and wife, Nancy; and sister, Dorothy Beckwith, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ferne Anita Ross VanWinkle; daughter, Christy Lynn VanWinkle; father, Robert VanWinkle; mother, Lottie Mae Phillips VanWinkle; sister, Della Mae Craft; and brother, Cecil “Buddy” VanWinkle.
The family would like to thank his longtime caregiver, Carolyn Burnett and Heart of Hospice for their excellent care.
The family received friends from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19, at Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home in DeQuincy. Funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 20, at Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home. Rev. Carlton Jackson, Jr. and Rev. Mike Streams officiated. Interment followed at Hyatt Cemetery in Fields.
Arrangements were handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
