Minor L. Vinck

Minor L. Vinck, 100, renowned local glass artist and beloved family role model, died peacefully on Friday, June 24 at the Glen Retirement Home. He leaves behind a legacy of beauty in his artistic creations, but more important, a legacy of kindness, patience, wisdom and love. He is deeply missed and treasured by all who knew him. Born January 22,1916 in Texarkana, TX, he was preceded in death by his parents, Justillian and Lillie Post Vinck, his son, Jule Douglas Vinck, and siblings George Vinck and Lillian Brower. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 78 years, Ruth (Webb) Vinck, 101, his daughter Donna Hands and husband Jeff, grandchildren Monique Hands Gutenkunst (George), Isaac Hands (Kristen), Denise Hands Hutton (Mark) and great grandchildren Emmett, Lillian, & Henry Gutenkunst, Will & Kate Hands, and Amos & Cyrus Hutton, and nephew Roger Brower and nieces Linda Sparks and Gail Merry. In his youth, Minor was a barnstormer who did wing walking and delayed parachute jumps in flying circuses. He was known as Mile High Vinck and the Daredevil Youth of Texarkana. He followed his Belgian glassworker heritage as a cutter & inspector at Libby Owens Ford glass plant in Shreveport. After the plant closed in the 70's, he created Vinck Studios on Ellerbe Rd and followed his love of the glass arts. Examples of his work can be found in churches, businesses, and private homes throughout the world, including commissions for Pope Benedict and the commander of Russia's strategic rocket forces. Minor received numerous awards for his innovation in art such as the Visual Arts Hall of Fame and Sculptor of the Year. He served on the Barnwell board and was a member of the Rotary Club, Men's Art Guild, and Louisiana Artists. The body of his artwork is now housed at the LA State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport. The family would like to thank his doctors, nurses, and the exceptional staff & extended family at the Glen for caring and loving him so well. A memorial service will be Thursday, June 30, 2 pm at The Glen. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vinck Family Therapy Garden at The Glen for the benefit of their memory care residents.