Lewisburg, Pennsylvania - Dr. Theron "Tex" A. Winter Jr., 92, a Lewisburg resident and dental practitioner, passed unto God in the early hours of Wednesday, May 28 at Geisinger Medical Center. He was surrounded by his devoted wife of 70 years, Charlotte (Rummage), and his loving family. MIZPAH

Theron was born in Milton, the son of Theron and Evelyn (Coup) Winter Sr. He was extremely proud to be the grandson of Rev. Abraham and Nellie Winter who helped to establish Evangelical Community Hospital as a facility within the Evangelical Home for the elderly and orphans.

Theron attended the Follmer one room school and graduated from Milton High School in 1950. He then graduated from Bucknell University (1954) and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (1958).

Theron established a family dental practice in Lewisburg which lasted for 47 years. He retired on April 12, 2005. His professional affiliations included the American Dental Association, the Sixth District Dental Society and the Central Susquehanna Valley Dental Society. Theron was on the dental staff of Evangelical Community Hospital providing emergency dental services.

He was proud to give the gift of life by routinely donating blood to the American Red Cross having achieved the Champions for Life Silver or Gold levels regularly.

Theron was a member of Follmer Lutheran Church outside of Milton, Pa., in the farming community where he grew up with his siblings. He then became a member of Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lewisburg.

Busy, happy years enriched by the special joys of four bright and lively children followed the successful opening of Theron's dental office: Jennifer Kay Mendoza (Fransico) Woodbridge Va., Tracy Lynn Stritch (Bernard), Carlisle, Marc Theron Winter (Robin Fetterman), Berwick, and Karl Reese Winter (Lucy Rath), Edina, Minn.

Tex loved exploring the forests and streams of Pa. and enjoyed hunting and fishing in the company of his family and many likeminded outdoor enthusiasts. He held memberships in many sportsmen clubs and associations.

Tex had a quick wit and a crooked grin with blue eyes that reflected either a glint of steel, or a sparkle of mischief, especially when teaching his grandkids the nuances of poker and the tongue click dialect that he shared with the younger ones.

He loved his 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren and they loved him back. He lived and imbued in us an unceasing work ethic, strong family values, and a deep appreciation for our planet's natural balance.

Theron was predeceased by his parents and grandparents, sister Joyce Jarrett, brother-in-law Robert Jarrett, sister-in-law Doris Winter, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Vivian and Francis Woodling and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Elbe and Mabel Rummage.

In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his grandchildren Veronica Sirvian, Luis Mendoza (Silvia), Christian Hugo Mendoza, Jennyfer Mendoza-Paravicini, Danielle Grozier (Joshua), Adam Winter (Jacquelyn), Brianna Saxton (Matthew), Kyle Stritch, Kevin Stritch, Reese Winter, and Maxwell Winter. He was a great-grandfather to Camila and Carmelo Sirvian; Noah and Isabela Mendoza; Jennyfer Valarde-Mendoza, Valentina Figueroa Mendoza; Cole, Gavin, Avery and Amelia Grozier; Sadie, Natalie and Tessa Winter; and Oliver Saxton.

Theron is also survived by his brother, Richard (Dick) Winter, and many nieces, nephews and cousins who were very close to him.

There will be a memorial service and a celebration of life at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Theron's name to Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 South Third St., Lewisburg.