Mr Pinker, from Burford Road, Witney, also had a partner, Rebecca Holmes.
A statement from Mrs Pinker read: "I met Steve when I was 15.
"We were childhood sweethearts and married for 21 years.
"We shared many happy times together and had two beautiful children [Luke and Emily] who have lost a loving dad who will be greatly missed.
"He was very proud to serve his country for 12 years with the Royal Green Jackets.
"He will always be in our thoughts. His children want to tell him, 'Love you so much, Dad'."
Earlier, Det Supt Rob Mason, of Thames Valley Police, said: "We have a team of detectives working on this case and are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any information about it."