William Anton "Bud" Winchester

1923 - 2019

William "Bud" Anton Winchester passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren on November 27, 2018. Bud, as he was known to all, was a fun-loving, kindhearted, gentle giant but was never considered a push-over as he stood up for the truth in all things.

Even though he was born at Fort Lewis, Washington, where his father was stationed as a soldier in the U.S. Army, the whole family returned home to San Diego when he was just 8 weeks old. His parents were Arleigh and Signa Winchester of San Diego where his Dad was employed by the San Diego Police Department as a Motorcycle Officer. Bud was the second of five children.

Bud attended Encanto Elementary School, Memorial Junior High and then San Diego High School. During high school, he was to graduate but the call of War ate at him, so the day after Pearl Harbor, he tried to enlist in the Navy, but was rejected, as he was color blind. He decided to go into the Army and was assigned to the U.S. Army Corps 2759th Combat Engineers, Company B. He was sent to Europe as part of the European Theater of Operations. Bud was promoted to Sergeant right away, as the Army saw the potential in him as a leader and the ability to be able to communicate with all the men, no matter of race, color or creed. He was part of the 3rd Wave of Omaha Beach clearing the way for the Army and the Marines to invade. He went on to build Pontoon bridges throughout Europe and suffered daily bombing attacks. He was in the middle of the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne – surrounded by the enemy - but lived to tell about it. Keeping his men in good spirits throughout the war was his goal and they all attributed their surviving the war to his positive attitude.

When he returned home, there was no fanfare. When asked about his time there he said "he left it all behind him - there in Europe" which is what most of his generation did regarding the War. He did answer my first request when I asked him "what did you do doing the War?" He cupped his hands and shouted into the air "Incoming!" I did not think much of that until I started reading about what he did during the war. Like Omaha Beach and what he did there...unbelievable.

He returned home after the War and went to work. With severe hearing loss, he went back to what he was doing before the war - driving a truck. Bud was with friends when he was asked by an older gentleman to give his daughter a ride home from work. He was the only one with a car among the young men and he said that he would be glad to give his daughter a ride home. She walked through the door and Bud was hooked. They never missed a day from each other from that time forward. In fact he was outside her work the next day to give her a ride home.

He had thought about going to college but knew that he would not be able to hear the teachers so he continued to work doing physical labor. He drove a truck for Pat Colonelli Distributors delivering Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer all over town. He was a big man with the strength of many as he would hoist a full keg unto his shoulder and walk with it into the place of business to deliver it. He was truly a big Swede.

He was an active Teamster from Local Union #683 his whole life. He also joined the Point Loma Masonic Lodge #620 in February 1962 and received an Award as a 50 year member in 2012. Bud was also proud of his legacy, as another generation of Winchester's, who had fought for our Country's freedom from as early as 1635. Bud's father, Arleigh, had fought in WWI, WWII, and served on the SDPD for over 20 years between wars. This service inspired Bud to serve his Country. Bud was also listed as a 100% Disabled Veteran. as he lost his ability to hear, during WWII. No Purple Heart or other medals – just the life a soldier giving of himself and asking nothing in return. A true red-blooded American giving himself for the fight for Freedom.

In 2017, he was honored at the Flag Day Celebration in Old Town for his military service. He also contributed to the Drive to 5,000 for the Spreckel's Organ Pavilion and is listed on one of the plaques for all those who participated to make it the largest outdoor pipe organ in the World. He was very proud that this year, he went down in history as the oldest Graduate of San Diego High School ~ Class of 2018. Principal Carmen Garcia researched and found that my Dad had earned enough credits to graduate in 1941, so she made arrangements for this to be rectified. She offered my father the opportunity to graduate with the rest of the class of 2018. He was elated and did participate in the graduation festivities. He loved to play golf, enjoyed the beach, Patriotic events and participating in family activities.

He is survived by his wife of almost 72 years, Donna; his daughter, Jeanne Winchester of San Diego; son, William "Bill" Winchester of Salt Lake City, Utah; daughter, Kathleen Winchester of San Diego; and son, Jon Winchester Sr. of San Diego. Bud is also survived by his sister, Signa Wilcox of La Mesa; and his brother, Robert Winchester of San Diego. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Juanita Harvey of Torrance and Maxine Asbury of La Mesa. He leaves a legacy of 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 18 Great Grandchildren (and counting), along with several nieces and nephews that love their Uncle Bud.

He is to be interred at Miramar National Cemetery.