OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — Robert August Winkel, 98, died on Friday, February 22, 2013, at his home in Oak Ridge.

In 1950, Mr. Winkel moved to Paducah, Ky., to become the Assistant Manager of Union Carbide’s Gaseous Diffusion Plant. He ultimately became Plant Manager for the operation.

While living in Paducah, he was very active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors of the local Boy Scout Council and Junior Achievement. He was also an active Rotarian and a member of Grace Episcopal Church. In addition, Mr. Winkel was a “Kentucky Colonel” and served on the Governor’s Committee on Educational Television.

In 1971, Mr. Winkel and his family moved to Oak Ridge when he became Plant Manager of K-25. He remained in the Plant Manager position until his retirement in December, 1979.

Surviving Mr. Winkel is his wife, Ruby Ellis Winkel. He also leaves behind his five children and their spouses, Rick and Kara Winkel of Franklin, Tenn., Bob and Shannon Winkel of Knoxville, Tenn., Sandra Winkel Hayden of Owensboro, Ky., Kathy and Larry Roberts of Lexington, Ky., and Lynn Straub Winkel of Atlanta, Ga. In addition, he is survived by two stepchildren, Mike (Carolyn) Ellis and Pam Ellis Moss; ten grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Mo., he was the son of Leona and August Winkel. He attended University City High School. Mr. Winkel was granted an honorary degree from the University of Missouri-Rolla in Management and Engineering.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be given to the American Lung Association.

The family received friends Monday, February 25, 2013, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary, Oak Ridge.

An online guest book may be signed at weatherfordmortuary.com