Zachary James Winter, 21, died Sunday, August 14, 2016 after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born December 3, 1994, to James Winter and Sherrie Winter in St. Louis, MO. He graduated from Kickapoo High School in 2013 where he played football and was on the wrestling team. He attended Missouri State University as health conditions permitted.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Barbara and Joe Smith and

Tom Christie of Arkansas.

In addition to his parents, survivors include his brothers, Austin and Michael Winter; step-brothers, Kelton Reeves and Dalton Coates; his stepmother, Kinda Winter; and his best bud, Michael Cunningham, all of Springfield, MO; and paternal grandparents, Dessie Allison of Spicewood, TX, Robert and Peggy Winter of Imperial, MO, and Linda (Meme) and Craig Warren of Nixa, MO.

Zach loved all things outdoors, especially hunting, camping, and going to the gun range. He loved playing video games with his brothers and friends. Despite learning that he had cancer just as he was graduating from high school, Zach was always upbeat, was determined to live life to the fullest for whatever time he had, loved his dog, Apollo, and enjoyed spending time with his brothers and friends. He was much loved and will be sorely missed.

Special friends included Zachary Benton, Austyn Ipock, and Chase Marable who didn't let cancer scare them away and

who continued to be his best friends to the very end.

No services are planned at this time. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society - Hope Lodge at www.cancer.org or by calling 800-227-2345.