Martin Walker "Wink" Wingfield, 82, passed away on February 7, 2026, just days before his 83rd birthday. Born on February 18, 1943, in the Kansas City area, Martin was the firstborn child of Morris Walker and Josephine Gertrude Wingfield. He grew up alongside his sister Diane and his brother Gregory.
Martin was a lifelong resident of the Kansas City area, attending Sanford B. Ladd Elementary School and graduating from Southeast High School in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1963. From kindergarten through adulthood, he shared an extraordinary bond with a close-knit group of friends who remained dear to him throughout his life. As young men, they worked on cars together, gathering on “Grannie’s” front porch and in her garage — affectionately known as “Grannie’s Speed Shop.”
They could identify a car by the sound of its engine alone. Martin’s grandfather, Jess, gave him his first set of wheels — a 1940s Ford — and it wasn’t long before a bigger engine found its way under the hood. Before long, Corvettes replaced those early cars, and Martin proudly drove a 1965 Corvette Stingray Fastback in Nassau Blue — loud, fast, and unforgettable. Evenings often included cruising by Allen’s Drive-In, seeing and being seen.
Martin proudly served his country in the United States Navy for two years, working on boilers and gaining training that would guide him toward a career in HVAC. Over the years, he worked for Pepsi, UMKC, John Knox Village, and Yellow Freight, where he eventually retired, carrying with him the lasting friendships he valued so deeply. He also treasured the simple tradition of heading to Angelo’s after work to enjoy a cold beer and good conversation with co-workers.
In 1971, Martin married the love of his life, Kay Turner. Together they built a life filled with family, laughter, and adventure, raising their three sons — Keith, Jason, and Blake — in Lee’s Summit. The family’s lake cabin became the heart of their happiest memories. It was a place of swimming, boating, fishing, tubing, and hunting — a place where Martin was in his element. Fishing, especially, was a favorite pastime, and he spent countless peaceful hours casting a line and swapping stories. Hunting was equally dear to him. One treasured memory was when he and Jason brought down a beautiful non-typical buck together — a moment so joyful that Jason recalled his dad “jumping up and down like a little kid.” It was a perfect father-and-son day, one neither would ever forget.
In later years, Warsaw, Missouri — close to the beloved lake cabin — became home. Surrounded by nature, it was a peaceful and fitting place for Martin.
Martin is preceded in death by his son Jason.
He is survived by Kay Turner; their sons Keith (Lake Lotawana) and Blake (Oscoda, Michigan); his brother Gregory and sister-in-law Rebecca; and many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory. He is also survived by his close friend and fishing buddy, Dave Hilburn.
Martin was known for his incredible wit and sharp humor — often leaving those around him wondering, “Where in the world did he come up with that?” He was a loyal friend, a proud veteran, a hardworking provider, and above all, a devoted husband and father. As his boys would often say, “Dad’s the best dad in the world.”
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Reser Funeral Home, 101 W. Main Street, Warsaw.
