Eric Winn
Moro | Save
Eric K. Winn, 43, passed away on October 11, 2026. Born on February 10, 1983, in Sweetwater, Texas. Shortly after graduating high school, he proudly joined the United States Army, where he served his country with honor and dedication. His military service was something he carried with pride throughout his life.
Eric answered the call to serve in 2003, enlisting in the United States Army as an infantryman. Over more than seven years he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and led soldiers through two combat tours. In Iraq, he served from 2005 to 2006 with the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, whose tour was extended as the fighting in Baghdad intensified. In Afghanistan, he served from 2008 to 2009 with CrazyHorse Troop, 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment as part of the 1st Infantry Division. On May 3, 2009, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for personal courage under extreme circumstances and a Purple Heart for shrapnel wounds. He also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Expert Infantryman Badge, marks of a soldier who mastered his craft and proved it in combat, along with the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, two Good Conduct Medals, and campaign medals for both theaters. Eric was medically retired with an honorable discharge in January 2011.
Eric was a devoted husband, loving father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend. Above all else, Eric loved his wife and children more than anything in this world. His family was his greatest pride and joy, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for the people he loved.
A cowboy through and through, Eric loved his truck, his country roots, and the simple things in life. He was also a hardworking businessman who took pride in everything he did. Through his work in the roofing industry, his military service, and his everyday life, Eric formed countless friendships and touched the hearts of those around him. Eric had a heart bigger than most and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Eric attended The Block Church in East Alton, Illinois, where he continued to grow in his faith.
He is survived by his loving wife, Amanda Winn; his children, Logan Winn, RayAnn Lawrence, and Brendan Lawrence; his mother, Sherrie Compton; his brother, Cris Winn, and sister-in-law, Chelsea Winn; his sister, Samantha Leyse; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Justin and Tara Bell, Jerod and Kassie Bell, Lauren and Shawn Maness, and Valerie and Tim Corry; and his grandmother, Carol Gilg.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alice Winn, Donald Winn, and Harry Gilg.
He will be remembered not only for the cowboy hat he wore or the truck he loved, but for the man he was underneath it all. A man who loved deeply, gave selflessly, and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
While his time here on earth was far too short, the love he gave, the memories he created, and the lives he touched will live on forever.
A celebration of Eric’s life will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Visitation will be held 1-3, service at 3:30 at the Cornerstone Church in Bethalto IL.
Eric will be laid to rest with military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. Family and friends attending the burial will meet at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto, Illinois, at 8:00 a.m. before departing for Jefferson Barracks, with arrival scheduled for 9:30 a.m.
Eric will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
