Thomas Hinkler

Thomas J. Hinkler entered into the next life on October 15^th, 2019 surrounded by family and friends at his home in Wattsburg, PA. Tom was born in Erie to Helen (Weaver) Hinkler and the late John C. Hinkler on May 28^th, 1954. 

He graduated from Wattsburg High School in 1972 and studied Tool and Die at Erie County VoTech. He worked several years in the tool and die field before making a career change to trucking. He owned and operated his own company along with his son Thomas for several years. For the last 10 years, Tom was employed as a trucker in the oil and gas industry, finishing his career with Grant-Smith Trucking. 

Tom was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to have the same respect for the land, hunting, and animals. Family was most important in his life, and he was especially proud of his children and grandchildren. 

In addition to his mother, Helen, he is survived by his wife of 31 years, Stephanie (Dombrowski) Hinkler and nine children: Heidi (Bob) Hazlett, Theresa (Gary) Mikovich, Bridget (Jim) Fetzner, Jenae (Doug) Pohl, Thomas (Rachael) Hinkler, Jason (Nikki) Gary, Eric (Jessica) Hinkler, Sarah (Joel) Stolz, Judy (James) Lynch; 17 grandchildren, two sisters: Sharon (Dean) Miller, Sue (Jim) Dempsey and one brother: Terry (Bridget) Hinkler. Tom is further survived by his cousin, Audy (Wendy) Montgomery and best friend Frank (Sue) Connor, who Tom considered as brothers; as well as several close, lifetime friends and a very large, loving extended family 

Friends may call at the Burton Wintergreen Funeral Home, 2532 Norcross Rd., on Thursday, October 17^th from 1-3 pm and 4pm until the time of sharing at 7pm. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1001 State Street #502, Erie, PA 16501. 

Condolences can be sent to www.Burtonfuneralhome.com