Irene VanWinkle

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Irene VanWinkle, Neosho, Missouri entered into the gates of heaven May 26, 2025. She was born May 16, 1928, in Anderson, Missouri to Milburn and Katherine (Cheatham) Minars. 

 She and Richard C. VanWinkle were married August 3, 1946, in Anderson, Missouri. She was involved in everything her children and the community needed her to serve in. She and Richard loved to square dance and served as presidents of the Square Dance Association. She worked at JC Penney until her retirement. 

She is survived by two children: Gloria (Tom) Gourley and David VanWinkle, both of Neosho, Missouri, three grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and all five of her siblings.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Neosho, Missouri. Her faith will continue to live on through her family. She was the epitome of mercy and leaves behind a legacy of love and family.

As a child of the Great Depression, she and Richard worked and saved to be able to build their own home in Neosho and a cabin in Eagle Rock, Missouri. She loved to spend time with her family, to go fishing, and watching sports, especially for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Before each game, she would tell her great-grandchildren to “fly like an eagle."

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation in memory of Irene to Oak Pointe of Neosho Activities Fund c/o Clark Funeral Home PO Box 66 Neosho, Missouri 64850.

A special thank you to Oak Pointe of Neosho and Gentiva Hospice for all the care they gave to her.