Edward Eugene Winters; 1936-2024

Edward Eugene Winters passed away peacefully in his sleep at Gallagher Assisted Living in Absarokee, MT, on Nov. 16. Ed was born April 10, 1936, in Damar, KS, to Edward Thomas and Lena Elizabeth (Hewes) Winters. The family moved to Washington state and Denver, CO, where he started school. They returned to Stockton, KS, where he completed his education, graduating from Stockton High School in 1954. 

He married his high school sweetheart, Faye Ann Hance, on Aug. 22, 1954. To this union four children were born, Roy Thomas, Michelle Lynn, Rodney Eugene (Bodie) and Bonnie Faye. They later divorced. 

Ed worked for numerous purebred cattle operations over the years, beginning at Schneider Hereford Ranch, before moving to Colorado in 1960. In Colorado, he worked for Cuykendall Herefords in Roggen. In 1965, he went to work for John E Rice, XL Ranch in Hygiene. 

In 1970, after his divorce from Faye, he moved to Hemingford, NE, and worked for Bill Iodence Herefords. While in Nebraska, he met Helen Nelson. Ed accepted a job back in Colorado as the first herdsman for Ken Caryl Angus Ranch, and his true love for Angus cattle began. He and Helen were married in October of 1972. In 1974, he became the manager of Ken Caryl Angus. Many champions were raised and shown at Ken Caryl. Ken Caryl Mr Angus being one of the most storied of his time. 

In 1980, he and Helen became partners with Burt and Marge Jobe, and they purchased cows out of the heart of the Ken Caryl Angus herd and moved to Red Lodge, MT, in May of 1980 where Ken Caryl Cattle Company evolved. In 1988, Burt retired due to health issues and Bill Owen purchased Burt’s shares. The herd dispersed in October 1995. 

Ed raised and showed many champions in the Hereford, Angus and Salers breeds. He also judged various breed shows across the U.S. and mentored many aspiring young cattlemen and women. He retired at the age of 78, moving back to Montana after spending time in Oklahoma and Colorado. 

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen; son, Roy Thomas; grandson, Michael Edward Salt; granddaughters, Debra Dawn and Sierra Cheyenne Winters; sister, Thurledene Kershaw; and brother, Roger Winters. 

He is survived by daughters, Michelle (John) DeSaveur, Red Lodge, MT, Bonnie Winters, Ansley, NE; son, Bodie Winters, McHenry, ND; daughter-in-law, Cindy Winters, Grove, OK; grandchildren, Justin Salt, Megan and Luke Winters, John, Chance and Heather Winters; great-grandchildren, Shaye, Ashton and Liam Salt; sisters, Beverly Faulkner, Shirley (Ralph) Foster; brother, Gary (Joyce) Winters; sister, Catrina Winters; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

A memorial celebration will be held Jan. 15, 2025, at the National Western Stock Show Beef Palace Auction Arena from 2-4 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. They may be sent to Bonnie Winters, 78774 Drive 448, Ansley, NE 68814.