David Dawson Winter

Captain David Dawson Winter (USAF Retired) was born April 13, 1942 and his family was with him when he took his last flight on December 6, 2025. He was born in Clarksburg, WV, the only child of Rupert and Conra Winter, lived in Shinnston, and married his high school sweetheart from Enterprise, WV. He was a member of First Baptist Shinnston, Plymouth Park Baptist, Irving, Lakeside Baptist Church, Dallas and First Baptist Church, Garland. He graduated from Shinnston High School and West Virginia University where he served in the ROTC program. (Go Mountaineers) He is survived by his wife, Margie Dianne Keiffer Winter, three daughters and their husbands, Kathryn Ann Butler (Barry), Kelly Sue Dreier (Kent), Kristy Celeta Shaw (Mark), six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Services will be held at First Baptist Church, Garland on Saturday, Dec 13th with a viewing at 9 am and Celebration of Life at 10 am. Private family burial to follow at Restland Cemetery.

David served in the Air Force as a pilot July, 1964 to Feb, 1969. He and Dianne were based in Laughlin AFB (Del Rio, TX), Castle AFB (Merced CA), and Carswell AFB (Ft Worth, TX). He piloted the KC135, refueling fighter jets mid-air during the Vietnam War. He went on to become a commercial airline pilot for Braniff Airways, Piedmont Airlines, USAir and American Airlines. During this time, he resided in Irving TX, Concord NC, Dallas TX, and then Garland TX where he lived for 34 years. He retired due to medical disability in 1992.

He had a strong work ethic that began when he was 8 years old. He was employed as a newspaper delivery boy, garage mechanic, library organizer, bowling alley pin setter, salesman for Dodge trucks, Nelson Stud Welding, Kmart, Century 21 Real Estate Agent and Bank of America, along with his years of commercial aviation.

Related to his love of flying, David enjoyed traveling with Dianne to many foreign countries. David also enjoyed being with his family, golf with friends, bridge and travel with the Espanita neighborhood group, automobiles and technological gadgets. Entertainment was Car shows and Air Shows. He enjoyed visiting his hometown of Shinnston, and kept in touch with his childhood friends.

In 1991, David received a heart transplant. He and Dianne were grateful and thankful to the donor family, as the donor heart allowed him to live and enjoy 34 additional years with his family. Throughout these years he was a good steward of this precious gift of life. He was treated and monitored by gifted doctors at Baylor Scott & White, Dallas, where he was also key to the success of New Hearts & Lungs support group for transplants. He formed many close friendships in this group. He also received many awards as an active volunteer at the hospital, helping other transplant families through the process.

Other close friendships include those from his church, First Baptist Church Garland, where he volunteered at the Friendship House.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to

First Baptist Church Legacy Fund, 801 W Avenue D, Garland, TX 75044.

The Salvation Army or the organization of your choice.