The the last and "real Marlboro man" dies at 85

Darrell Winfield, long-serving Marlboro Man, dies in Wyoming at 85

Excerpt:

One of the last of the Marlboro Men has died in Wyoming. Darrell Hugh Winfield was 85. He died Monday at his home in Riverton, Davis Funeral Home said. The Marlboro Man was a macho cowboy whose image in advertising from the 1950s to the late 1990s made filtered cigarettes more appealing to men. Previously Marlboros were marketed to women. Winfield's rugged good looks made him the face of Marlboro cigarettes in magazine and television ads from the late 1960s to the late 1980s. The Leo Burnett ad agency discovered Winfield in 1968 while he was working on the Quarter Circle 5 Ranch in western Wyoming.

Comment: Image capture from. Wiki. Info on others. If he was a smoker, he did well to live to 85.

Obituary:

Darrell Winfield, 85 of Riverton died on Monday, January 12, 2015, at his residence. As were his wishes, cremation has taken place and no service will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Darrell Hugh Winfield was born on July 30, 1929 in Little Kansas, OK to Marion H. and Dapalean (Caywood) Winfield. He was the oldest of six children and was raised in Hanford, CA where he attended school. The family moved to California when he was 6 years old. He made many trips to visit Wilburn Spring, also known as “Springer”, which was what he told his mother while he was actually courting the love of his life, Lennie L. Spring. They were married on July 3, 1948 in Hanford, CA. Together they raised six children, 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Many more children came through their doors and they “raised and mentored” all of them. They were always more than willing to help out a child. In 1968, Darrell and his family moved to Pinedale, WY. He was working on the Quarter Circle 5 Ranch in Pinedale when he was discovered by Leo Burnett/Philip Morris Advertising and became the “Marlboro Man”. He remained loyal from 1968 to the time of his death. At one time, his face was known as the most photographed around the world. Darrell was asked what his life would have been like if he had not been the Marlboro Man, he said “life would have basically been the same”. Darrell was a “true” cowboy. In 1974 he moved to Riverton and started WD/Winfield Horses. He followed the American Indian Spirituality. He was given the Native American name of “Strong Mountain”. He attended sweats at several lodges, including his own, where everyone was welcome. In his younger years he belonged to the Rodeo Cowboy Association (RCA), which later became the PRCA. He was also a member of the Screen Actors Guild. His family said he loved horses, rodeo, especially team roping, ranching, and the cowboy way of life. He liked to tease, was quite a character, and never met a stranger. He collected bits and spurs, loved to read western non-fiction, history, and stories of the Native Americans. He loved to play Gin Rummy and Backgammon with his family and friends. He deeply loved his wife of 66 years and made her and his family his highest priority. He also cherished his friends and all were welcome at their home. After having a stroke, his loving wife became his primary caregiver, along with help from family and friends. He was very grateful to Dailen for his assistance in overseeing his ranch. He is survived by his wife Lennie; son, Brian Winfield and companion Karla Eckhardt; daughters, Janet Mendes and companion Guy Faris, Nancy Eppler, Linda Saunders and companion Dailen Jones, Debi Walters and husband Dave, Darlene Raymond and husband Robert; three grandchildren the couple raised, Kelly, Kari, and Katie Winfield, one great grandchild, Aspen Winfield; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; brother, Ray Winfield of Oklahoma; brothers-in-laws, Norman White and Manual Thomas, both from California, Dean Spring and wife Wendy of Arizona; sisters-in-laws, Nancy Sue Garcia and husband Stan, and Bealy Joaquin and husband (Tony) all of California . He was preceded in death by his great grandson, Clay Walters; sons-in-laws, Dan Mendes and Billy Eppler; five siblings, Bill Winfield, Barbara White, Marilyn Brooks and Buddy Winfield; sisters-in-laws, Billye Winfield and Cora Lee Thomas; parents, Marion and Dapalean Winfield; his wife’s parents, Wilburn “Springer” and Corrine (Oakes) Spring and close family friend, Floyd Nichols. Memorials may be made to the Donor’s choice of any organization dedicated to benefit children. Memorials may be sent in care of the Davis Funeral Home, 2203 W. Main Street, Riverton, WY 82501.