George J. Winders

George J.  Winders – age 91 of Richmond, MO passed away Wednesday morning, September 15th, 2021 at Shirkey Nursing and Rehab in Richmond with family at his side.  George was born on September 21st, 1929 the son of George Howard and Maurine (Jackson) Winders in Richmond and joined an older sister, Mary Alice.  He grew up in Richmond and was a 1948 graduate of Richmond High School. He excelled at baseball, boxing, football and track.  George was asked to play minor league baseball and boxed in the Golden Gloves. Starting at age fourteen he began working at Hunt’s Jewelry Store in downtown Richmond and was trained in watch and clock repair under the guidance of the Hunt Brothers. On January 31st, 1954 he was united in marriage to Roberta (Scoville) Brown in Richmond and became the father of her four children and later in 1959, adding one more daughter to their family.  In 1954, George and Roberta opened the first Dairy Queen franchise in Richmond and ran it until they sold it in May of 1965.  In 1965, he started a 24-year career as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service in Richmond. He developed life-long relationships and memories with his customers. As a father and grandfather, he coached his children and grandchildren’s little league baseball teams.  George was a member of the Richmond United Methodist Church, Knoxville Community Church and most recently, the Polo United Methodist Church. He was active in leadership at each church that he was a part of.  George was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers and he also served on the Caldwell County Nutrition Center Board and delivered countless meals.  George enjoyed clock repair, fishing, woodworking and making ice cream for family.  He never met a stranger. George was generous, nurturing, no-nonsense, comical, a faithful servant of the Lord, patient, competitive, compassionate and had a great sense of humor. Following Roberta’s death in 2002 he married Donna DeWitt on December 4th, 2003 at the Knoxville Community Church and they made their home in Polo for 15 years.  

George was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Alice Helm; son, Jerold Richard Winders; first wife, Roberta and second wife, Donna. Survivors include: children, Judith Kay (Ted) Weber of Richmond, Glenda Jeanne Griffing of Richmond, Janette Lee (Mario) Cefalu of Sweet, ID and Kathy Winders of Richmond; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and other extended family members and many friends. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Polo United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held at 2 PM, Tuesday, September 21st, 2021 at the Polo United Methodist Church. Visitation is scheduled for 6 to 8 PM the evening prior (Monday 9/20) also at the church. The family respectfully requests that attendees wear masks and social distance. Burial will follow the service at Richmond Memory Gardens in Richmond.  Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Polo (660) 354-2214. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com 

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