Jack Gordon Winegardner
Last Updated on August 7, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network
Jack Gordon Winegardner, 87 Years, of Logansport, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 6, 2026. He had been fighting a brave battle with cancer at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis.
Born January 12, 1939, at home, in Cass County – around Twelve Mile, Indiana – he was the son of the late Walter L. and Edith M. (Conrad) Winegardner. At the time, their neck of the woods was called “7 Sections.”
On July 19, 1956, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy A member of the Class of 1958, Jack earned his G.E.D. from the United States Armed Forces Institute in Madison, Wisconsin. For the most part of the next four years, Jack served on the US.S. Lake Champlain VA 39 from 1956-58 traveling in many countries in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1959, he sailed in the Northern Atlantic. In 1959, his days at sea were over and he was honorably discharged July 10, 1962.
Jack came home to Indiana and began a career at the Chrysler Transmission Plant at Kokomo on March 18, 1964, and retiring 40 years later on February 29, 2004. He was a proud member of the UAW Local 685.
On April 16, 1971, he was married to Eleanore (Willy) Winegardner. She preceded him in death on August 22, 2020.
Jack enjoyed growing vegetables in his backyard. He enjoyed helping Ellie can and freeze their harvest. He always put out bird seed in the front and back yards for the squirrels and the rabbits because she liked to watch them. In the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, Jack was an active member of Bridge City Square, traveling to events and competing in square‑dance gatherings.
The Hillcrest Baptist Church was a very important part of his life, having served as usher for many years. Jack and Ellie had great times bowling together in the church league. For 5 years, Jack served as a leader in the King’s Kids program at church. He also served as Cub Scoutmaster for Pack 3208 and Boy Scoutmaster for Troop 203. During that time, Jack was privileged to help lead a group of many boys, along with other Scoutmasters, to the BSA High Adventure base in New Mexico called Philmont Scout Ranch. In 1990, it gave him great pleasure to present the award of Eagle Scout to his son, Darin Winegardner.
Surviving are one son, Darin Winegardner, Twelve Mile; three daughters, Christina Ann Gillaspy, Kokomo, Victoria Winegardner, Royal Center, and Jackie (Forrest) Hamilton, Walton; stepson, Mark Modricker, Chicago; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and their families.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Kathlerine Ann Modricker; son-in-law, Mark Gillaspy; seven brothers: Bob, Victor, Burl, William “Bill”, Harold “Fuzz”, Melvin Winegardner and Ronald Winegardner; and his sister, Wanda Kirkham.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, August 11 in Fisher Funeral Chapel from 4-7 p.m.
A funeral service celebrating Jack’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 12 in the funeral chapel with Pastor Carl Lindermon officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
You may share memories and offer condolences on Jack’s Tribute Wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.