Orville Leroy "Duke" Winkfield was born in Springfield MO to Alice Marie Eldridge, and Willie Lee Winkfield June 12, 1940. He graduated Central Senior High School May 22nd, 1958, in Springfield, MO. And went on to serve in the Navy. Duke was an all-around sportsman. He played football, he ran track at Central where he broke the mile record with a time of 4:34.5 smashing the record of Jackie Nelson of Nevada in 1957. Duke was also a boxer, with other well-known names in Springfield such as Richard Young, and Bill Mosley who were all in a program during their careers in an attempt; to revive professional boxing here and Springfield.

Duke loved fishing, golfing, and his collection of guns. In his earlier years he loved his farm and animals, and he participated in many rodeos. He loved to groom, train, rope, and ride. He loved his trucks, and aside from being called the "Enforcer" a few of his children called him "Fred Sanford" due to his love of Yard Selling, and Junking. He also loved cutting yards, listening to country music, and doing extra side work, and odd jobs. Duke was just a natural at so many things. He was a member of the American Legion, and a former member of the Elks, and put his heart into anything that was of interest to him.

Duke was tough, strict, and very protective, especially of his children, family, and his friends. He absolutely loved his grandchildren, and if you messed with anyone he cared about period; you had a fight on your hands. And if he pointed his finger, and said, "Listen here buddy" It was a done deal. It was just in him to PROTECT. But Duke also had a very comical side as well. And was known for his famous "wink" whenever he laughed, and as we all know it's no big secret; he was a real ladies' man, and a flirt.

Duke was an only child and shared many stories about how difficult that was at times, and that he always felt like a loner. But he led a very full life, and that he felt like he had to fight all his life. But he never let that stop him from doing what he had to do. He said that the good Lord always saw him through, and that his grandmother Minnie Trout, planted seeds of having a relationship with God early on in his life, and that he always held on to that. And he loved listening to Billy Graham and Jimmy Swaggart.

Duke lived a great part of his life throughout the Kansas City area and has many roots there. He was married to Sandra "Talbot" Winkfield many years; one child was born from this marriage, (Michael Winkfield) however; she became an amazing stepmother to Duke's other children and will forever be honored as such.

There are many stories to share and tell but not enough time to do it all today. Many people in this room are a part of some of those stories, as many of you have known him all his life; and have shared those stories with us throughout the years. He has truly left a LEGACY, and an impact on many people's lives. DUKE WAS ONE OF A KIND.

He was preceded in death by: His Mother-Alice "Eldridge" Winkfield
Father-Willie Lee Winkfield, David Persing Smith- (biological father)
Maternal grandparents Minnie B. "Wollard" Eldridge-Trout; Sylvester Eldridge and Robert Trout. Paternal Grandparents; Clarence Osman Smith; and Isabelle Crenshaw Smith

Duke leaves to mourn, his children: Tony Dozier, Denise, Teresa, Cynthia Dozier Duncan (Arthur), Darrell Smith (Melanie), Shawn Winkfield, Aaron Rule (Vonzell), Dana Darden, Secelia Winkfield, Michael Winkfield (Christina), Brandy Stewart (Wes), Lovinna Grayson, Jamie Marshall, and Jeremy Griffin; and yes, we all know there were a few more. He also leaves to mourn: 45 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren. His Brother- Russell Smith Special Cousins-Jane Pike, Juan Starks Sr, and Chrisell Goss. Special Friends Bishop Ron Webb and Lady Georgia Webb and Pastors Henry and Chris Grandberry. And a very special son in law Arthur Duncan who played a huge role in assisting with Dukes caregiving. He also leaves to mourn a host of cousins and many other family and friends.

The family would like to give special thanks to Ozark Nursing Home and Care Center; especially Raia Adams the Administrator who is also the mother of two of his great grandsons; for ensuring that he was well taken care of in the memory care wing. Dementia is a horrible disease, and difficult to walk through. We want to thank his nurse Tamara for being a strong advocate, and for Dee who helped with all the paperwork, and the whole staff that had a hand in his care. And for Howard "Spook" Adams for making sure his special food was always prepared correctly every day. Especially his grape Kool aide.

We want to thank Seasons Hospice for the excellent care that they took of our father and for providing everything that he needed to make sure he was comfortable during has last days. and we want to thank Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home; especially Clint, for walking us through this difficult time. Also, a special thank you to Marlon Graves for the beautiful video, and to Sanctuary of Praise and Pastor Kenneth Bedell for providing the place for our Father's service. And to the rest of those who were asked to be a part of our father's service, and so graciously responded with a yes.

We also want to thank NEW MIND NEW FAITH MINISTRIES for the support of their Pastor Cynthia Duncan and Elder Arthur Duncan, and a special thank you to Minister Bridget Ouarara for assisting with special preparations of anointing with oil, and special prayer time prior to Dukes passing to prepare Duke to be with His Father; to receive his crown.

Thank you for every text, phone call or personal visit, and all the support from friends and family during this very difficult time.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the start of the funeral service at 10:30 AM Friday, February 27, 2026 at Sanctuary of Praise Church of God in Christ, 2245 S. Holland Ave. Springfield, MO. Burial with full military honors will follow at 1:00 PM in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Rd. Springfield, MO.  The funeral home will be excepting flower deliveries for the service.