Lee Earl Winegar

Lee Earl Winegar passed away Sunday, February 10, 2019 at his residence in Xenia, OH following an extended battle with Parkinson's disease and brain cancer. He was 69.

Lee was born November 28, 1949 in Howell, MI to Duane U. and Thelma M. (Sherwood) Winegar. He married Rebecca J. Stewart July 3, 1971 in Fowlerville, MI. They shared over 47 years together, building a beautiful family that came to include three sons, one daughter-in-law, and three exceptional grandchildren.

He attended Fowlerville Schools, beginning in a one room schoolhouse and graduating from high school in 1967. He went on to attend Michigan State University where he was also enrolled in the ROTC program. He graduated in 1971 with a B.A. in Chemistry at which time he was also commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He went on to receive a B.S. in Meteorology from the University of Texas in 1972, an M.A. in Defense Administration and an M.P.A. in Public Administration, both from Northern Michigan University in 1987.

Lee's Air Force career stationed him at numerous bases located within Texas, Oklahoma, Guam, California, Upper Michigan, and finally Ohio's Wright-Patterson AFB where he retired in 1991, having attained the rank of Major. During these 20 years he held positions as Meteorologist, Navigator, Electronic Warfare Officer, and Chief of Logistic Plans. Most notably, he was a part of the "Typhoon Chasers" where he flew into the center of over 30 typhoons and hurricanes.

He involved himself in several hobbies and interests, including woodworking, scale modeling, cycling, gardening, photography, and computer technology. Known for his affinity for historical facts and trivia, he loved to quiz and share with those around him. Lee loved Boy Scouting, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in his youth, and then continuing to be involved with local troops as his sons went through the ranks. He was a long-time member of Beavercreek Church of the Nazarene and their satellite church in Alpha, as well as a consistent part of the church Choir, Sunday School, and Men's Prayer Breakfast.

Lee is survived by his beloved wife, Becky; three sons, Adam of Denver, CO, Jay of Kettering, OH, and Eric (Amberly) of Beavercreek, OH; a sister, Judith (Tom) Stumpfig of Eaton Rapids, MI; a brother, Don (Linda) of Sonoma, CA; three grandchildren, Isabelle, Eli, and Anna; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be 12:30 pm Friday, February 15 at Alpha Community Church, Rev. Sheila Slone officiating. Visitation is 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Thursday, February 14 at Newcomer Funeral Home in Beavercreek, and prior to funeral services from 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Interment to take place after the service at Dayton National Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Lee's name to Alpha Community Church or the Parkinson's Foundation.

To share a memory of Lee or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.