GREENWOOD
Dallas Claxter Winningham, 72, of Greenwood, passed away Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Franciscan St. Francis Health-Indianapolis.
He leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Martha “Martie” (Pardue) Winningham; his daughters and sons-in-law, Mahala “Hayley” and Eric Frandsen of Greenwood and Kimmy and Matt Rogers of Franklin, and his daughter, Tiffany Winningham of Indianapolis; and four grandchildren he adored: Ryker and Luke Frandsen of Greenwood and Allison and Andy Brown of Franklin.
Dallas was preceded in death by his parents, Haskell “Hack” Winningham and Mahala “Veachel” (Sevier) Winningham; seven brothers, Vergil, Verdie, Heston, Cornelius, Carvel, David and Darrel Winningham; and four sisters, Eveline Ray, Kathline Smith, Aderine Hodge and Florine Smith.
Dallas was born June 30, 1943, in Livingston, Tennessee.
Dallas met his wife, Martie Pardue, when they were teenagers. Martie was outside with her sister sitting on her porch in Indianapolis, and Dallas and his friend drove by in their car. Dallas and his buddy drove around the block a few times and eventually walked up to the porch to meet the pretty young ladies. Dallas and Martie were married May 4, 1963, in Indianapolis and settled in Greenwood in 1972.
He worked at Standard Die & Supply in Indianapolis as a supervisor for most of his life. He was hired there when he was just a teenager and worked diligently until he retired in his late 50s. Dallas was a gifted leader and mechanic.
From 1966 until 1968, Dallas served in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant, E5.
Dallas enjoyed playing pool and riding motorcycles. Running a pool table looked easy for him. He also pitched for Standard Die’s men’s softball team in an Indianapolis league for many years; their team won the city tournament a few years. At theme parks and fairs he had a knack for winning the largest stuffed animals in throwing games; they often asked him to move along after winning three or four.
Dallas loved spending time with family, friends and his loyal dog, Rascal. He liked sitting on the porch, playing cards, laughing and sharing stories.
A celebration of life service will be conducted by the Rev. Hillis Pardue, Dallas’s brother-in-law, at 7 p.m. Friday at Jessen Funeral Home, Whiteland Chapel, 729 N. U.S. 31 with visitation from 5 p.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home.
Information: jessenfuneralhome.com.
