Jerry Winters

Byron “Jerry” Winters,76, of Colchester, IL passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 8:45pm.

He was born on October 27, 1948 in Macomb, IL to Byron and Edith Douglas Winters. He married Margaret Lantz on October 20, 1967 in Augusta, IL and she survives.

Along with his wife, Margaret, Jerry is survived by his daughter, Megan (Cody) Winters Brown, Colchester, IL, Granddog Chester, Sister Linda (Eldon) McKinley, Carthage, IL, sisters-in-law; Linda Winters, Hanna City, IL, Ilene Kreider, Quincy, IL and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry graduated from Plymouth High School in 1966. He earned his private pilot license in 1973 and his commercial pilot license in 1976 both from Douglas Aviation Flight School in Macomb. Jerry worked for 32 years as a foreman for Illinois Department of Transportation in Carthage, IL. He also worked as a charter pilot and flight instructor for Cobb Aviation in Macomb part time until he retired from IDOT and then went to flying charters and flight instructing full time. While Jerry stopped taking charter flights around 2012, he continued as a certified flight instructor for Cobb Aviation and now Jet Air, Inc. until this past fall. Flying was one of his passions and the airport was a second home and family.

Preceding him in death are his parents, brother, Larry Winters, sister, Pat Moore and brothers-in-law; Kenny Moore and David Kreider.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00am Friday, March 21, 2025 at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Colchester, IL with Pastor Ben Ellefritz officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00pm on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Macomb Municipal Airport with Masonic Rites at 7pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to MDH Home Health, MDH Hospice or the Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

The Hamilton Funeral Home in Augusta, IL is handling the arrangements. 

Online condolences can be left at www.hamiltonfuneralhomes.net.