In Memory Of
Joe Junior Winters
1932
2024
Joe Junior Winters
August 2, 1932 — July 8, 2024
Joe Junior Winters, 91, of Kansas City, MO passed away July 8, 2024. Joe was born August 2, 1932, to Joseph and Fern (Davis) Winters in Wichita, KS. He grew up on a farm in Winfield, KS. He liked to say he graduated at the top of his class (he was the only one in his grade–but we think he was clever enough he would have either way). Joe graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in architecture. While at KU he met his wife, Mary Lu (Valk) Winters, m. May 3, 1958, in Lawrence, KS.
Joe led an incredibly full and meaningful life in service to others. He had a long career at Hallmark Cards for 35 years. He was a dedicated advocate for mental health resources and those with developmental disabilities. He served as a founding member and president of Clay-Platte ARC, president and board member of Missouri ARC, board member for the National ARC, chairman of the mental health commission, and with the metropolitan council on developmental disabilities. His work laid a foundation for many social services that are utilized today.
Joe fully invested in everything he did. He was a loving “Papa”. He enjoyed gardening, watching KU basketball, decorating, puzzles, card games, animals, anything creative, and most of all being with his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and unique perspective on the world that will be sorely missed and not soon forgotten.
Joe was preceded in death by his father Joseph Winters, stepfather Ray Gorham, mother Fern Gorham, wife Mary Lu (Valk) Winters, and his son David Joseph Winters.
Survivors include daughter, Susan (Winters) Scott and husband David; two granddaughters, Gretchen (Scott) Phillips and husband Reed, and Emily Scott and husband Alex Garnett; one great-grandson Henry Phillips; and a cat, Marmalade. A celebration of life will be held August 17 at 1pm at Burlington Creek Senior Living facility, 6311 N Cosby Kansas City, MO 64151.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to:
The Farmer’s House- P.O. Box 1607 Platte City, MO 64079 or online at https://thefarmershouse.org/support/honor-giving/.
The BEAR Project- P.O. Box 415 Pine Ridge, SD 57770 or online at https://bearproject.net/
To share a memory of Joe or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Joe led an incredibly full and meaningful life in service to others. He had a long career at Hallmark Cards for 35 years. He was a dedicated advocate for mental health resources and those with developmental disabilities. He served as a founding member and president of Clay-Platte ARC, president and board member of Missouri ARC, board member for the National ARC, chairman of the mental health commission, and with the metropolitan council on developmental disabilities. His work laid a foundation for many social services that are utilized today.
Joe fully invested in everything he did. He was a loving “Papa”. He enjoyed gardening, watching KU basketball, decorating, puzzles, card games, animals, anything creative, and most of all being with his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and unique perspective on the world that will be sorely missed and not soon forgotten.
Joe was preceded in death by his father Joseph Winters, stepfather Ray Gorham, mother Fern Gorham, wife Mary Lu (Valk) Winters, and his son David Joseph Winters.
Survivors include daughter, Susan (Winters) Scott and husband David; two granddaughters, Gretchen (Scott) Phillips and husband Reed, and Emily Scott and husband Alex Garnett; one great-grandson Henry Phillips; and a cat, Marmalade. A celebration of life will be held August 17 at 1pm at Burlington Creek Senior Living facility, 6311 N Cosby Kansas City, MO 64151.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to:
The Farmer’s House- P.O. Box 1607 Platte City, MO 64079 or online at https://thefarmershouse.org/support/honor-giving/.
The BEAR Project- P.O. Box 415 Pine Ridge, SD 57770 or online at https://bearproject.net/
To share a memory of Joe or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joe Junior Winters, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Celebration of Life
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Starts at 1:00 pm (Central time)
Burlington Creek Senior Living
Guestbook
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