Sennett K. Winkler (known by most as "Wink") of Hot Springs, passed away July 21, 2011, at the Castle Manor Nursing Home in Hot Springs. He was 95 years old.

Wink was born April 17, 1916 in St. John, KS to Harry Thomas and Ida Mable (Blount) Winkler and grew up in St. John, KS, Colorado Springs, CO and Gordon, NE area.

He enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1941. Due to his eyesight he was not able to become a pilot as he wanted therefore he trained to be an airplane machanic. During a leave he met the love of his life, Gladys Irene Hoyt , who was working as a waitress in a Crawford diner. They were married in Monroe, LA on November 23, 1943. In 1945 as a Staff Sergeant, he was honorably discharged.

The couple moved to Hot Springs in 1945 to work for his brother-in-law as a mechanic at Harris-Stouffer Ford. Later he opened his own business "Wink's Tune-up & Alignment" and was known as the best mechanic in town. Memorabilia can be seen in Hot Springs at the Museum and at the Historical Room of the Library. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling and golf. He was a member of the United Churches of Hot Springs and served as an usher for many years.

In November of 1968 Wink and Gladys made a big change, closed shop and moved to Colorado working at the Ford Garage in Loveland, CO. While living in Colorado, Wink became passionate about wood working-he would build anything from small items to large. Give him a picture and he would build it. His creativity was often expressed in the ponds, fish tanks, gardens and finding great treasures at garage sales. He was an avid fan of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies.

After his retirement they moved to Sun City, AZ where he was able to fulfill one of his passions, golfing. As their health started to decline they moved back to Colorado to be closer to family. He always stayed busy with jigsaw puzzles, learning to whittle, building his own model train city where he replicated his families' homes. He loved to visit with people; his neighbors and community were always drawn to him.

In 2007 they returned to Hot Springs to live near their daughter and son-in-law. While residing at Pine Hills Retirement Home, he was faithful to his enjoyment of bingo and Sunday Church Service.

Wink is survived by one half brother, LeeRoy Ballard in Kent, WA, a son Jerry (Elaine) Winkler of Las Vegas, NV, a daughter Linda (Marvin) Colson of Smithwick, 2 grandsons, 4 granddaughters, 5 great- grandsons, 3 great- granddaughters, 2 great-great- granddaughters and 1 great-great- grandson.

He was preceded in death by his wife Gladys, his parents, 2 sisters, 1 brother, 2 half brothers and 1 niece.

A memorial has been established in Sennett K. Winkler's name.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life and interment will be at a later date.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.