Harold “Babe” Reed Winder has preached this message many times.  On August 18, 2020 at Barnes Jewish Hospital, Harold’s joy came as he passed to his Father God and Savior Jesus Christ and Holly Spirit which lived and dwelled in him, guiding him through his life to do God’s will on this earth.  He was blessed with 82 years and 5 months of life.  As he journeyed through his life on earth, he accepted Jesus as his Savior, and later in life was called preach God’s word.  Harold loved life and cherished his wife Barbara Kay Winder.  They were married almost 64 years.  He cherished his family, his children, Pamela Kay Winder, Timothy Reed Winder and wife, Margo Jean; grandsons, Jacob Reed Winder and wife, Michelle, Joshua Reed Winder and wife, Michelle, and Lucas Reed Winder and wife, Amber; and great-granddaughters, Lacey Grace and Brooklyn Kay, the daughters of Jacob and Michelle Winder.  Harold was blessed to preform the Weddings of Holy Matrimony for each of his three grandsons to their wives.

Harold loved pole vaulting and jumped in Junior High Competitions.  He passed that love of pole vaulting on to his son Tim.  Tim passed that love of pole vaulting on to his sons and now it has become a “Winder Pole Vault Legacy”.

Harold was a partner with his daughter in her Antiques and Collectibles business.  He mixed and poured concrete statues and kept the record books.  He was an inspector of the painting and an encourager of meeting goals.

His work in life was in child care.  Harold along with his wife were foster parents to newborn through teenagers.  They were house parents at the Baptist Children’s Home.  Harold also worked at United Methodist Children’s Home, Huddleson Children’s Home and Catholic Children’s and Family Services.

At age 18, Harold was so proud to become a Marine as his three older brothers were also Marines.  He was proud to be a Marine Veteran.

Harold was so strong, and lived in confidence, he was full of faith, loving kindness and a gentle man.  He wrote his wife love notes every morning and they rejoiced together as they sang songs and read their Bible readings together.  He loved the church, people, animals, and all God’s creations.  He loved studying and preaching God’s word, leading others to Jesus and praying with anyone, anywhere and anytime.  Harold was a Chaplin at Cross Roads Hospital for many years.  He was Mayor of Woodlawn, during that time Woodlawn got their first Fire Truck and had celebration of the Woodlawn Sentinel.  Harold worked to get the first Woodlawn water system, installing water lines and water meters in the village.

Neighborhood children came to play in Harold’s yard as there was always a game, race, sled pulling behind the car, football, basketball, pole vaulting, and may other fun activities.  He always cared about the kids and doing fun things.

He and other family members organized the Winder Family Fun Fest for many years.  He loved his brothers and their wives, nieces and nephews.  He kept in touch by texting or phone.  Harold loved the outdoors and breathing God’s fresh air, while he sat in his prayer swing by the pond watching the fish, frogs, birds and deer.  He also planted a flower prayer garden just outside his workshop.  He loved working in the yard and making a bond fire beside the little muddy cabin.

Harold was born March 18, 1938, the son of Moses Ralph and Jewel Edra Winder.  Harold was preceded in death by both parents; baby sister, Phyliss Ann Winder; and brothers, Robert Leroy Winder, Charles Raymond Winder, and Clyde Russel Winder.

Harold wished to be cremated with his ashes spread of his property in Woodlawn.  Services will not be held due to the virus health risks.

A celebration of Christian life will be held at a different time.

Psalms 34:1 – I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise will continually be in my mouth.

Memorials may be made in Harold’s honor to the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Barnes Jewish Transplant Unit, Barnes Jewish Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.