Vernon David Wingate

Vernon David Wingate, 85, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Vernon was a graduate of LaGrange High School, and attended McNeese State University with a degree in agriculture. He went on to work at the Conoco Refinery for 33 years as a pipefitter and operator. Outside of work, he was an avid reader who could often be found reading and rereading the newspaper. He also enjoyed Motor Trend magazine and continued reading it until it was discontinued. When he had the chance, he enjoyed to watch his favorite old Westerns, especially Gunsmoke.

Vernon was a car enthusiast through and through. He loved buying cars, looking at cars, and keeping them clean. He took pride in detailing them and making sure they looked their best. He and his wife, Bobbye Lea, enjoyed traveling together, as did the family throughout the years. Colorado was his favorite place to visit, and he absolutely loved being there.

Above all, Vernon adored his grandchildren. He and Bobbye would put everything else on hold to spend time with them, and family was always a priority. They shared 56 years of marriage together, building a life filled with family, travel, and memories.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Troy Wingate (Patti), Renee Whitaker (Darren), and Veronica Stanley (Danny); his grandchildren, Emilee Marceaux (Tanner), Hannah McCready (Conner), Jordan Wingate (Kendyl), Shoshannah Baker (Scooter), and Lexia Murray (Cory); and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Bobbye Lea Wingate; his brother, Jerry Wingate; and his sister, Brenda Clifton.

A funeral service for Vernon will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Apostolic Temple Pentecostal Church in Lake Charles. Burial will follow at Creel Cemetery in Reeves, Louisiana. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, at Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles and will resume at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday at Apostolic Temple Pentecostal Church.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff, caregivers, and nurses at Calcasieu Community Care Center for the wonderful care they provided to Vernon. They also offer their sincere thanks to Raymond Lowery for keeping Vernon's haircut and making sure he always looked his best.