Addison Winchenbach, 88, of Waldoboro, passed away at his home on Sept. 18. He was born in Waldoboro on Oct. 25, 1924, the son of the late Chester and Carrie Cushman Winchenbach.
Growing up in Waldoboro he attended local schools until leaving school to join the work force. At the age of 17 he joined the U.S. Navy, serving honorably for three years with one of those years being spent on the island of Guam.
After returning home, he found work driving an old pulp truck for Ben Lincoln of Washington and so began his career behind the wheel. For 20 years you could find him driving for Payson Farm Machinery in Union until he had a heart attack at the age of 47. Although this was a major event, it did not stop him.
After laying low for a little, the road called again and he went to work for Crowe Rope where he worked for another 20 years. While working for Crowe, he took over the California trips. With this route he was able to cross of almost every state in the continental U.S., only missing all 50 states by two or three. He became the number one driver for Crowe Rope and this was something that he was very proud of. A true truck driver, he made sure to keep his Kenworth running in tip top shape, taking great pride in his rig. The road called to him for many years and he finally retired from the long hauls at the age of 82.
After retiring he made sure to stay busy and always had projects going at the house. More often than not, you would find him in the woods cutting down trees or riding around on his tractor.
In the winter months you could find him on his snowmobile, riding trails throughout Lincoln County. Spending so much time on the machine his wife finally went out and bought one for herself because riding on the back of his was starting to get uncomfortable, especially with all of the riding that they did.
Bowling was also something that he loved to do and would probably have lived at Depatsy’s Lanes if he could. When the family would go with him he would always say “just one more string and then we will go” and that one string usually turned into many more.
If not at the bowling alley or on the tractor, one could probably look upstairs at the house and find him amongst the Lionel trains. Trains would chug along over the various track set ups he had made. You may also find a pool game or two being played amongst the trains as that was another pastime, having friends over and playing hundreds if not thousands of games of eight ball.
With each train whistle, strike, fallen tree, or crack of a cue ball, his memory will live on.
He was predeceased by brothers and sisters, Millard, Harold, Grace, Warren, Robert, Francis, Priscilla, Gideon, and Russell.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Geraldine “Gerry” Winchenbach of Waldoboro; daughters, Evelyn Shover of Arrowsic, and Valorie Winchenbach of Waldoboro; sons, Reggie Winchenbach, and wife Cheryl of Bucksport, and Ricky Winchenbach and wife Becky of Marlboro, Md.; brother, Carlton Winchenbach of California; sister, Christine Clifford of Waldoboro; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Sat., Sept. 28 at the Dutch Neck Cemetery with Pastor Tom Rawley officiating.
You are invited to share you condolences, memories, and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories page at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro.
