The city of Rockport mourned the passing of Mayor Don Winkler Monday, following hospitalization last Tuesday. He was born in November of 1946, and leaves behind a legacy of entrepreneurship and public service. He has overseen a great deal of developments in his three years and four months serving as Mayor, which will long echo his memory.
Winkler leaves behind his wife of nearly 56 years, Peggy, just shy of their April 29 anniversary. They have four sons, Eric Wayne, Jon Martin, Terry Jo and Joseph Byron.
Winkler graduated from Rockport High School in 1964 and went on to study electronics at what is now ITT Technical Institute. He joined the National Guard in 1966 and eventually returned to the family vocation of farming. By the 1970s, Don and Peggy made their mark on the Reo area with a small drive-in restaurant, Don’s Drive-In.
During that time he was also the general contractor on a Reo business complex, which originally housed Eck Miller. Winkler then opened a truck, trailer, and semi sales and rental business that became very successful, eventually operating two truck shops running 24-7.
After a somewhat briefer stint in the oil and gas business, he began his public service career as Spencer County Building Inspector. That journey culminated in his 2019 election as Mayor of Rockport, assuming office at the age of 73.
Winkler’s tenure as Mayor has been a busy one. Practically every local road and street has seen work since he took office. In fact, his last days as mayor saw the city awarded a Community Crossings grant that should be sufficient to wrap up that comprehensive revamp.
He leaves behind several initiatives that are well underway as well. In addition to planned improvements to the city’s water and wastewater system, the city itself is poised to grow in size and population.
Winkler oversaw the purchase of land west of the city, which will eventually become home to new housing. The city also acquired new land along the riverfront, and plans are in place for a new boat dock, campgrounds and other amenities.
The town council will meet to appoint a temporary replacement, and the Spencer County GOP will have to replace his name on the ballot for November. Council President Connie Hargis said it would not be easy to move on, even with Winkler’s momentum to build on.
Services are 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at Boultinghouse Funeral Home in Rockport. Burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery.
Visitation is 12 until 8 p.m. Friday, April 21, with a Masonic service at 7 p.m., and from 8 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the funeral home.
Friends may send a condolence to the family at www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
