Charles Lee Winchester

Charles Lee Winchester (Chuck) of Hotchkiss, Colorado, passed away on Wednesday September 13^th at the age of 92.

He was born in Seymour, Indiana on December 21, 1930 to Garnett and Mildred Winchester.  He joined the Navy at age 18 and was trained as an Air Traffic Controller with various sea and shore commands including wintering over in the Antarctica.  After serving his country for 22 years, he retired in August 1970 as Chief Warrant Officer (CWO2).  During his tenure in the Navy, he was married to Gladys Custer and they had seven daughters.

After the Navy, he had various jobs including supervisory positions taking him across the country.  During the time he was working in the suburbs of Chicago, he met Diane.  As he always stated he “met the love of his life” and married Diane on July 17, 1982.  Chuck supervised the building of their retirement home in Hotchkiss, Colorado.  With God’s guidance, Diane helped Chuck to know and accept our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He became a devoted member of the Hotchkiss First Baptist Church serving the Lord as the chair of the trustees, accomplishing many building projects to include the construction of the teen room and remodeling of the sanctuary.  He also served on a mission’s work team helping in the construction of the International Baptist College in Chandler, Arizona.

He is survived by his loving wife, Diane, seven daughters, 22 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren.

The Celebration of Life service will be held at Hotchkiss First Baptist Church on Saturday, September 30^th at 11:00.  There will be a fellowship and remembrance gathering following the service.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that memorial contributions be sent to First Baptist Church or the North Fork Christian Academy.  Both addresses are P. O. Box 26, Hotchkiss, CO 81419.