Douglas F. Winnek

Douglas F. Winnek was born September 15th, 1938, in New York City. He grew up inPelham, NY and attended high school at Mamaroneck High in Mamaroneck, NY. There he fell in love with art and theater. After high school he worked with The American Broadcasting company until he received support from his church pastor to pursue college. He was granted scholarships to Trintiy University and relocated to San Antonio,TX on September 10, 1957. During college Doug pursued his love of theater and art and later became a drama teaching assistant, lead production manager, and even directed a few shows. From 1959 until 1967 he was the Assistant Display Director at Joske’s department store in downtown San Antonio and was responsible for the design and installation of Fantasyland on the 4th floor at Christmas time.

Doug spent the rest of his life finding ways to create. His work over the years included producing commercials for businesses nation-wide, creating one of the first working telecommunications groups, and consultation and design of multimedia classrooms for schools and hospitals. He never lost his love of theater and designed and built sets, designed and directed lighting or worked behind the scenes on many small theater productions. Over the years, Doug discovered a new love. He met Sharon Alford while working at Coca Cola and they were married on May 11, 1974. He was a wonderful father of four and had a soft spot for his 5 grandchildren.

In 2020, Doug was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and a year later was moved to nursing care. He died on Monday, January 13th after a wonderful last Christmas with his loved ones. 

Doug is preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Isabelle and Percival Dove, as well as his youngest son Robert Winnek.

 He is survived by his wife Sharon Alford Winnek, sister Mary Caryl Fairbank, and children, Donna Winnek, Lisa Winnek Rush and her husband Scott, and LTC Christopher Winnek and his wife Madelyn. Doug leaves behind his beloved five grandchildren, Cassidy Rush, Garrett Winnek, Lorelei Winnek, Matthew Rush, and Brianna Rush