Ernest Sterling Kinkler Jr.

Ernest Sterling Kinkler Jr. died on May 3rd, 2022. He was known by most as Sterling, but he had many other names in life: Boy, Rusty, Squirmy, Uncle Boy, and Granddaddy. He was born February 14th, 1948 to the late Ernest and Jane Kinkler. Sterling was born in Alice, TX, and was raised in Victoria, TX with his sister Amanda. It was there that he earned the name “Boy” since he was the first boy grandchild in the Kinkler family. In early high school he and his family moved to Pleasanton, TX where he soon met the love of his life, Linda. High school sweethearts, he and Linda would eventually marry and move to a trailer home in Kingsville where Sterling attended college at Texas A&I University. Sterling eventually earned a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and had two beautiful daughters, Kerry and Mindy. The family relocated to San Antonio, TX where Sterling began his career at Southwest Research Institute and welcomed another daughter, Lori. His career at SWRI spanned over 37 years. When he wasn’t working, he was angling to get down to “The River,” his family ranch, where he would hunt deer, ride around in his jeep, tend cattle, take long naps, shoot guns, and maintain the property. After retirement, he and Linda enjoyed time at home, often visiting with grandkids and taking them to the neighborhood donut shop in his “buggy.” Recently, Sterling and Linda moved to a house in Helotes neighboring their daughter Kerry and her family. In his final months, his daughters and their families gathered at “Gram and Granddaddy’s” house often, eating large buffet style meals on their front porch, building a fire to roast marshmallows, and enjoying each other's love and company. He was fiercely passionate about his family and adored his children, grandchildren, and his niece and nephew and their families. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 55 years, Linda (Gillespie) Kinkler, daughter Kerry Wingenter with husband Ronald and their seven children, daughter Mindy Thompson with husband Scott and their two children, and daughter Lori Kinkler with husband Fernando Valverde Jr. and their two children. He is also survived by his sister Amanda Barber and husband Cress, his niece Melissa Butson with husband Chris and their three children, and his nephew Matt Barber with wife Katie and their three children. His special connection with his family is ongoing.