Donald Edgar Winfree

On April 30th, 2025, while surrounded by his family at his home in Porter, Texas, Reverend Donald Edgar Winfree slipped gently out of his earthly body and stepped into the arms of Jesus, whom his soul longed for.
He was born January 31,1937, in Port Arthur, Texas. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Ewell Abe and Olete Winfree, his twin brother, Don Edward Winfree, his son, Ricky Winfree, his grandson, Jonathan Holt, granddaughter, Ashli Dahlquist, and his great-granddaughters, Alice Winfree and Ophelia Billingsley.
Donald is survived by the love of his life for over 60 years, Mary Smith Winfree of Porter, TX, and his children, son, Joshua and wife, Karen Winfree, of Glenville GA, his daughters, Donna Holt, of Silsbee, TX, Kim and husband, John Orchosky of Porter, TX , Staci and husband, Bobby Vanveckhoven, of Crosby, TX and his daughter-in-law, Sandy Winfree, of Newton, TX, as well as his sister, Geraldine Davis, of Victoria TX. He also leaves behind 20 grandchildren and spouses, 27 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, numerous family members, nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
Donald wore many hats during his time on earth. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather; and friend and mentor to many, but the role he most cherished was a servant of God. In his early adulthood he was called Cowboy, in his Stetson and boots and enjoying the horses he broke and owned, but he soon traded them for a bible and pulpit, earning new nicknames, Shoutin’ Don and Preacher. Knowing he was called to preach, under the mentorship of his pastor, David Myer at Groves UPC, he never imagined it, but his first flock were the prisoners of the Beaumont City Jail in the early ‘70’s. Talk about a captive audience! He regularly ministered there for numerous years, baptizing in bathtubs and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
He worked as a longshoreman as a young man, moved to the Sanitation Department at the City of Nederland for years, then was blessed with a career at Burkeville ISD (where he earned the “Preacher” handle). He held dual roles while working for the school, being able to also pastor and lead his church at Burkeville Toledo Bend Apostolic from 1981 to 2007, his true calling by far! The little town of Burkeville was home for many years and Bro. Winfree cherished the people there and carried a burden for the whole community.
Bro. Winfree’s hobbies were few. If you knew him, you knew he loved to take care of his yard and home, feed the local wildlife, and collect antiques. It wasn’t until later in life that he found the joy of hunting, but when he did he embraced it wholeheartedly. His most surprising hunt was when he managed to take down two deer at the same time, then was given a third deer the same evening resulting in his son-in-law and grandson having to come assist in skinning them when his hands cramped trying to get it done! His last hunt was an elk hunt where he was accompanied by his son, sons-in-law and grandsons in January 2022. What a time they had!
Soon after his retirement from the school district, Bro. Winfree moved to Porter TX to be near his daughters and made his home church Caney Creek Apostolic Tabernacle. There he became an integral part of the prayer team and food distribution ministry and was an encouragement to saints young and old as a prayer warrior and true worshipper! He would still get the chance to preach after no longer pastoring and his greatest joy in the last few years was getting to evangelize with many congregations from LA to GA and all over Texas. He was always amazed that he was still used by God well into his eighties but would be quick to remind you that it was nothing special about him, he was only trying to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Bro. Winfree’s tradition of hosting an annual Hobo Stew or Fall Fest every October in Burkeville was revived when he came to Porter, with people traveling from as far as CA to attend. He was a huge prankster, often quoting “bear with me in my folly". He loved fun and laughter and to be surrounded by people, all people, and those people will miss him greatly. When on hospice, he regularly reminded us to “wake me up” if anyone stops by to visit and he continued to take every chance to quietly minister to others.
The legacy he left on his family, his friends, and his congregation is one that will ripple for generations. It’s the kind of life Jesus had in mind when He said, "Go and make disciples."
Well done, good and faithful servant. You fought the good fight, you finished the race, you kept the faith. We know you are laying your crown of righteousness that the Lord awarded you at His feet.