Elza Winter

Elza Winter, Jr, 93, of Abilene, Texas, formerly of Neosho, Missouri, died January 17, 2019.

Elza was born near Diamond, Missouri, to Lewis Elza (L. E.) Winter, Sr. and Grace Elva (Gatliff) Winter on April 27, 1925. He graduated from Diamond High School where he met his wife, Malbyrn Lea Everhard. They were married on June 12, 1945, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and celebrated 72 years of marriage. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he was a trucker and was integrally involved in the family cattle business for many years.

Elza served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was an active member of Gideons International, Newton County Farm Bureau, and Missouri Farm Bureau. He was also a faithful member of the Park Plaza Christian Church in Joplin, and while in Abilene he attended the Minter Lane Church of Christ.

Elza was preceded in death by his wife, Malbyrn, parents, L. E. and Grace Winter, two brothers, Paul and William (Bill) Winter, and two sisters, Ruth Winter Witherspoon, and Gladys Winter Whitticar. He is survived by his daughter, Alice A. Keith (Rev. Ronald Keith) of Lakeville, Minnesota, sons Dr. Thomas L. Winter (Sherla) of Abilene, Dr. Mark L. Winter of Spur, Texas, his sister, Lois Winter Pace, of Spokane, Washington, 9 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Graveside services will be held at the Diamond Cemetery, Diamond, Missouri, at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 22, 2019. The family will receive friends for a visitation at the Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory, Joplin, Missouri, January 21, 2019, at 6:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Asian Women and Children’s Ministry, c/o Park Plaza Christian Church, Joplin, Missouri, Spring River Christian Village, Joplin, Missouri, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Samantha Hirsch Goodman, Dr. Tommie Farrell, Hospice of the Big Country, and Hendrick Hospice nurses and caregivers. Special thanks are offered to the loving staff and his friends at Chisholm Place, Abilene, Texas.  Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com