Ernest Winchester

Ernest Carlton Winchester, 68, of Oxford, IN died at his home Tuesday, September 20, 2016.  He was born in White Oak Junction, KY on March 25, 1948, the son of the late Orville & Zora Winchester.  The family moved to Oxford shortly thereafter.  After graduating from Oxford High School in 1967, he attended Indiana Business College where he met the love of his life.  He married Lucy Gilman of Star City, IN on August 16, 1969.  He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served a tour in Vietnam as Petty Officer 3rd Class on U.S.S. Newport News.  After attending the Police Academy he became the Oxford Town Marshall in August 1977.  He truly loved the Oxford community and took a lot of pride in that role for over 20 years.  In 1998 he was elected as Sheriff of Benton County and served two 4-year terms, after which he spent 7 years as Captain, before retiring in 2013.

He will be remembered as a hard-working, fun-loving guy who was always up for a road trip, truly enjoyed sharing a meal with family or friends, and had never met a stranger.  He was a fixture at the Oak Grove Country Club for decades where he rarely broke 80, but certainly broke a few putters.

His greatest sources of joy were his daughters, Amber (Husband: Greg Orr) & Rebecca (Husband: Keith Lank) and Grandchildren Elijah & Annabella.

He is survived by sisters Betty Foster & Bonnie Campbell (Husband; Edward), both of Oxford, as well as many cousins, nieces & nephews.  He was preceded in death by siblings Ralph (Wife: Pauline), Irene Leatherman, Lottie Patterson, & Thomas.

Visitation will be at Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home in Oxford on Saturday, September 24, 2016 from Noon until Funeral Service at 3:00pm.  The family requests memorial gifts be directed to Benton Community Foundation to establish a fund in Ernie’s memory.