Robert J. Winters

Robert J. Winters, 89, of Lawrenceville, Illinois passed away Wednesday March 1, 2023 at Aperion Care in Bridgeport, Illinois. He was born September 23, 1933 in Seattle, Washington, the son of Walter and Ruth (Meyers) Winters. His wife, Lois Ida Barnett Winters, preceded him in death, as did his parents, grandson Moses Bailey, and three brothers Harold Winters, Don Winters, and Norman Winters.

Robert put himself through private high school, college and Seminary. He earned degrees from Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington and Denver Seminary in Denver, Colorado. He was then ordained by the Conservative Baptist Church and had his first year of pastoral ministry in East Machias, Maine where he met Lois Barnett from New Brunswick, Canada, who had been a missionary nurse in India. After their marriage, they raised funds and moved to Pakistan where they served God from 1962 to 1972. They returned to the United States for two years and then moved to Indonesia to the Island of Borneo from 1974 to 1980 where Bob hiked through jungles to villages, often wading through rivers, carrying his motorcycle and avoiding crocodiles. Upon returning to the United States they resided in Wheaton, Illinois for many years. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona to be near the youngest daughter and family. Lois passed away there on May 13, 2012. 

Survivors include his four daughters, Rachel Winters and husband Daniel Shinkle of Lawrenceville, Illinois, Susan R Gravett and husband Jeffrey of Hobe Sound, Florida, Mary Jo Gemuenden and husband Richard of Phoenix, Arizona and Rebecca Bailey of Phoenix, Arizona, and four grandchildren, Ilana Shinkle of Shanghai, China, Trima Gravett of Hobe Sound, Florida, Shareen Bailey and Zarina Bailey both of Phoenix, Arizona.

A Memorial Service will be conducted Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Lawrenceville Free Methodist Church. Visitation will also be Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the Service hour of 11:00 a.m. Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois is in charge of the arrangements.