Phillip Van Winkle

(From Parker Mortuary)

Phillip L. Van Winkle, age 85, Joplin, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.

Phillip was born December 30, 1938 in Joplin, son of the late Howard L. and Frances (Phillips) Van Winkle. He grew up in Joplin and graduated from Joplin High School in 1957. 

He served with the United States Naval Reserves while in High School before serving in the United States Navy from 1958 – 1962. He graduated from Missouri Southern State University and also attended Labette County College to further his education. 

He owned and operated Van Winkle T.V. Repair for many years and also worked for Bagcraft in Joplin in the Maintenance Department for over 30 years. He was an avid photographer and was known to take photos of many weddings and other celebrations. He owned several dark rooms and had much equipment over the years to perfect this craft. He was also very proud of his service to his country and enjoyed visiting with people about his experiences.

Phillip was very involved with the local Boy Scouts serving with Mike Baggerly at the Spring City Boy Scout Troop. Phillip was then Scout Master of Troop 156 which was at Blendville Christian Church before later being located to Bethany Presbyterian Church. He was also involved with the Troop 333 which met at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. He was a District Commissioner for several districts. He recently received the Veteran Scouter Award on April 2, 2022. 

He also received many awards over the years for his involvement with the Scouts including the Silver Beaver, Golden Sun and was a member of the Order of the Arrow and Wood Badge. One of his fondest memories was taking Troop 156 to Philmont, New Mexico and to participate in the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Calgary, Canada. He was a lifetime member of Blendville Christian Church where he was baptized on February 25, 1952.

Survivors include his sister, Marillyn Van Winkle of Joplin, and his lifetime friend, Judy Lytle also of Joplin, and numerous cousins.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in Blendville Christian Church with Pastor Stephen Sansom and good friend Mark Moore officiating. Interment will follow in Osborne Memorial Cemetery with full Military Honors.

The family will receive friends at Blendville Christian Church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until service time.




The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Frank Childress Reserve CAMP in care of Parker Mortuary.




The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the staff of National Health Care of Joplin and the staff of Gentiva Hospice Group for all the love and care of Phillip over the last month.