Wayne Leslie Winans

Wayne L. Winans
Our beloved patriotarc went home to be with our Lord and Savior on February 5, 2018, receiving many crowns and eternal life.
Wayne was born and raised in Oneonta, New York on December 13, 1927 to Leslie and Rita Winans. He graduated from Oneonta High School where he, "Lith Winans", held the school hurdle record for over 50 years. Upon graduation he enlisted in the National Guard and United States Navy and served the country he loved so very much as a submariner for over 20 years. Wayne traveled the world in "Silent Service" as an electrician on various submarines, one of which was the U.S.S. Skate. While aboard the U.S.S. Skate, in 1959, the crew, including "Shorty Winans", made history on the first nuclear submarine to surface the North Pole through the Arctic Ocean ice cap. Wayne retired from the Navy as a humbled and proud 1st Class Chief Petty Officer.
In 1955 he met and married the love of his life, Barbara Graves, for which they shared 54, very blessed, years enjoying life. Together they raised four daughters; Jo Kolb, Kate Moore, Sue Barlow,and Jayne Poindexter. After residing around the country as a Navy family, the Winans family made their final relocation in 1973 to Central Point, Oregon. Wayne resumed his career as an electrician for many years at Timber Products until retirement. He has been recognized as a 65 year member of the Fleet Reserve Association and 60 years as a member of the Masonic Lodge. Both he and Barb enjoyed many years as Moose Lodge members, chairing an annual benefit golf tournament for Southern Oregon Special Olympics, attending and supporting the San Francisco 49ers, and the joy brought in to their lives and home by family and friends.
Wayne was preceded in death by Barbara and is survived by his 4 daughters, sons-in-law, 16 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, brother-in-law and best friend Pat Graves, many friends and much love.
Wayne will forever be loved and remembered for his wit, charm, generosity, and the love he had for his family, friends and country.
A viewing will be held Friday February 16, 2018 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Memory Gardens 1395 Arnold Lane Medford, Oregon. A "Celebration of Life" will be held Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Table Rock Fellowship 3610 N. Pacific Hwy Medford, Oregon followed by a 2:00 p.m. graveside service with military honors at Memory Gardens Memorial Park. Fair winds, and following seas Wayne.