Thomas H. Winegar III

Thomas H. Winegar III, 70, of Sanger, Texas, passed away on Friday May 7, 2010. He was born on Sept. 28, 1939, in Deadwood, S.D. to Thomas Jr. and Grace Winegar. He served in the Army National Guard from 1954 to 1957 and then joined the U.S. Navy serving aboard the U.S.S. Midway from 1957 to 1962. He married Lana Butt on May 25, 1961 in Deadwood, S.D. They moved to California where they had their four children, and then resided in Evergreen and Hungry Horse for several years, but made their final home in Texas.

Tom worked as a long haul truck driver for more than 35 years covering the entire United States. He retired in 1999 from Kenosha Transportation in Denton, Texas, after more than 15 years of service. He enjoyed his family the most, but also enjoyed playing cards, bowling, golfing, watching western movies and his two dogs, Huck and Tasha.

He is survived by and will be dearly missed by his wife Lana of Sanger, his three daughters Bettylynn of Hungry Horse; Barbara and husband Nick Branthoover of Sanger, Texas; Diane and husband Nick Lombardi of Krum, Texas, and his son Thomas Winegar IV, and wife Karen of Sanger, Texas. Eight grandchildren: Justin and Zachary Davis of Hungry Horse; Nicole and Melissa Branthoover of Sanger, Texas; Alora Winegar of San Antonio, Texas; Alexia and Alaina Winegar of Sanger, Texas and Jason "Luigi" Lombardi of Krum, Texas. Sisters Linda Novkovich, Darlene Werlinger and brother Bill Winegar and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Thomas Winegar and Grace Erickson, mother and father in-law: John and Eleanor Butt, sister Betty Schultz, sister-in-law Lauretta Werner and nephew Dean Werlinger.

A graveside service was held Wednesday, May 12, at the Sanger Cemetery in Sanger, Texas, with Jeff Higgs officiating. Arrangements made by Coker Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls.