Wayne Kelly Wininger went to his heavenly home on October 20, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will miss him beyond measure.

Wayne was born on March 25, 1963, to Philip M. and Shirley A. (Baxter) Wininger. He graduated from Washington High School. A hardworking man by nature, Wayne spent the last ten years working as an operator at Peabody Coal Mine.

Wayne was a man of few words, but those who knew him best knew he had a humor all his own. With the dry wit and rough-around-the-edges humor of a true coal miner, he could catch you off guard with a perfectly timed remark that left you laughing and shaking your head. He was unapologetically himself, and that was one of the many things that made him so loved.

Wayne enjoyed the simple things in life—hunting, fishing, searching for arrowheads, and keeping busy with a little hard work. Rarely seen without a cup of coffee in hand, he found his greatest joy in the time spent with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren.

Wayne leaves behind his loving children, Tiffany Forbey, Joshua (Lesley Brock) Wininger, and Jadalynn (Tommy Miller) Wininger; his cherished grandchildren, Ashlynn Forbey, Barett Forbey, Everlee Miller, Wilder Miller, Hazel Brock, Melanie Brock, and Susan Wininger; his siblings, Spencer "Craig" Wininger, Shannon (Lori) Wininger, Shane Wininger, Ernie (Marcee) Wininger, Shelly Grubb, Stephanie (David) Bowman, and Serena (Mike) Erb; his daughter's mother, Justina Walls; and loads of nieces and nephews who will forever cherish his memory.

Welcoming Wayne into Heaven were his mother, Shirley Wininger; his brother, Philip A. Wininger; his niece, Stormy Aldrich; his nephew, Shawn Wininger; and his children's mother, Susan Wininger. Surely among those waiting to greet him was his faithful dog and best friend, Hero, ready to be by his side once again.

Wayne may not have been a man of many words, but his life spoke for itself. He was hardworking, genuine, and unapologetically himself. His family will miss his daily phone calls and the familiar sound of his voice, his unexpected humor, the sight of him with a cup of coffee in hand, and all the ordinary moments that now mean more than words can express.

For those who loved Wayne, the world will feel a little quieter without him. But in every shared memory, every unexpected laugh, and every reminder of the man he was, a part of him will always remain.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Wayne on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ed L. Lee Mortuary. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., with a funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Yvonne Evans. Wayne will be laid to rest at St. Peter Cemetery following the service.