Thomas Edison ‘Eddie’ Van Winkle, Sr., 76, of Silsbee, passed away November 13, 2006 at his home surrounded by his family.
Eddie was born June 14, 1930 in Silsbee, Texas to Marshall Garrett Van Winkle and Nora Mosley Van Winkle. He was a retired accountant from Temple Eastex He was dedicated to his family, his church and his hometown. Eddie was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
He graduated from Silsbee High School and Lamar University, receiving a degree in accounting in 1967. While attending college, Eddie worked for Houston Oil Company. In 1956, he started working for East Texas Pulp and Paper Company as an accountant and retired in 1986. After retiring, he opened an income tax and bookkeeping business known as FACTS.
Eddie was a member of First United Methodist Church, serving as chairman of the Administrative Council and Building and Grounds Committee for 7 years. He was a faithful member of the Fellowship Class. Eddie was also an active member of his community, serving as city councilman for 8 years. He was a member of the Silsbee Lions Club for 40 years and an active participant in Silsbee Little Theater, appearing in several productions and directing one. Eddie also served as chairman of precinct 9 of the Democratic Party for many years. He was an avid traveler and sponsored several tour groups to England and other European countries.
Eddie was preceded in death by his parents and his seven brothers and sisters. Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Janette D. Van Winkle of Silsbee; his sons Thomas Edison ‘Eddie Van’ Van Winkle, Jr. and wife Sherry of Silsbee, Keith Van Winkle and wife Karen of Silsbee; his daughters Nora Welch of Beaumont and Nancy Jacks and her husband Jeff of Nacogdoches; his grandchildren Regina Van Winkle, Sgt. Thomas Edison ‘Van’ Van Winkle, III, Kirby Van Winkle, Daniel Van Winkle, Jennifer Durham, Marshall Van Winkle and Katy Jacks; 2 great grandchildren; his nephew, Billy Dan Van Winkle and family of Carthage, Texas and his niece Jan O’Quinn and her family of Orangefield.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, November 16, 2006 at First United Methodist Church in Silsbee with burial to follow in Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 PM to 8 PM Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee.
The family would like to thank all who have prayed for him, sent cards and called to support us during his illness. We would especially like to thank Harbor Hospice for making his final days comfortable.
Memorial donations in memory of Eddie may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 780 South 4th St., Beaumont, TX 77701.
