Herbert Julian Winfiele

WINFIELE, Herbert Julian, a resident of Houston, Texas, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2015, at the age of 87. He was born on July 11, 1928 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and early in his life lived in Monroe, Alexandria, and Shreveport.

He and his family moved to Houma, Louisiana on Christmas Day of 1932, where he experienced small town life and grew up in a Christian home. He attended public school in Houma, graduating from Terrebonne High School in 1946. He then attended Louisiana State University from 1946-1948. He married Jeanene Bailey, a native of Alabama, on August 8, 1956 in Houma, and in November of 1956, they moved to Houston.

He worked 37 ½ years for National Supply Company, a division of Armco Steel. He started in 1949 at the store in Houma, but also helped open, and worked in, stores in Jennings, Lake Charles, Morgan City, and Venice. In 1956, the company transferred him to Houston where he worked his way up to Senior Sales Correspondent and retired in July of 1986. He was a loyal company man, and also served on the Board of Directors of the Armco Federal Credit Union.

Herbert was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and served from 1950-1953 attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. He took his Basic Training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, went to Officers Candidate School at Fort Riley, Kansas, Quartermaster School at Fort Lee, Virginia, and served as Quartermaster at Camp Polk, Louisiana.

Herbert was a 65-year Mason and member of Unity Lodge #267 F. & A.M. Houma, Louisiana, and Northwest Lodge #1434 A.F. & A.M. in Spring, Texas. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and member of the Houston Valley. He was also a member of Arabia Shrine Temple in Houston, Texas and a charter member of the Tomball area Shrine Club. He was an endowed member and Past Patron (1973-1974) of Houston-Ranford Chapter #135 O.E.S. (formally known as Houston Chapter #385 O.E.S.), and Klein Chapter #1141 O.E.S. in Spring, Texas.

Herbert was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Joyce Morgan Winfiele; brothers, Tom and J.C. Winfiele; and his sister, Ella Winfiele. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jeanene Bailey Winfiele of Houston, Texas; three sons, David Winfiele, Brian Winfiele, and Jon (Monique) Winfiele; two grandchildren, Jonathan and Marcella Winfiele; his sister, Joyce (Alfred) Hiller of Asheville, North Carolina; numerous nieces and nephews; and many lifelong friends.

Herbert was active in church work throughout his life. He served as a Sunday School teacher and usher for many years. He was a long-time member of Champion Forest Baptist Church, and was a member of the Empowered Sunday School class. Prior to Champion Forest Baptist Church, he and his family were members of First Baptist, Houston, where they started mission churches, Tallowood Baptist Church, and, later, Northwest Memorial Baptist Church.

He actively participated in his sons’ lives as they were growing up, serving as Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 852, sponsored by Terrace United Methodist Church, and Troop 469, sponsored by Lakewood United Methodist Church. He was proud to see his sons and grandson each attain the rank of Eagle Scout. He also helped coach his sons’ youth baseball teams, and never missed any of their high school football games.

He loved spending time with his family, working in the yard, barbequing, and cheering for his beloved L.S.U. Tigers.

A visitation was held Sunday, August 30, 2015, from 5-8:00 p.m. at Klein Funeral Home (Champion Forest Location) including a Masonic Service. The funeral was held on Monday August 31, 2015, at Champion Forest Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. with a reception following to celebrate his life. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2015, in Rutledge Cemetery with Rev. Morgan Bailey, Rev. Dan Clevenger, and Robert Bailey officiating and Turner Funeral Home of Luverne directing. A reception will follow after the interment.