Arbor, Mo., man still bowling at 100

For his first frame of the day on Wednesday, Windy Winchester bowled a spare.

Winchester, 100, bowls every Wednesday at the Jackson Lanes as part of the Young at Heart Leauge.

"He does bowl pretty good for 100," bowler Doris Meyer said.

On Wednesday the Young at Heart League celebrated Winchester's centennial birthday. For Winchester, bowling at 100 is the fulfillment of a dream.

"I feel good," Winchester said. "The good Lord's been good to me and has blessed me with good health."

Windy Winchester gets his ball while bowling Wednesday at Jackson Lanes.

Winchester said he has been bowling for 60 to 70 years.

"I like the exercise. It's a good sport and I like the challenge," said Winchester, adding that he likes the friendship of the Young at Heart League.

"Everyone looks out for everyone," said league secretary Don Hanscom.

Hanscom said he would be happy if he could bowl at Winchester's age.

Winchester said he stays active and enjoys walking every morning, fishing for crappie, and working in his garden. He also plays the guitar and harmonica, sings and attends Arbor General Baptist Church every week.

Windy Winchester knocks nine outs of ten pins down with his first roll Wednesday, August 22, at Jackson Lanes. Winchester picked up the spare. (ADAM VOGLER)

He and wife D'orsay live in Arbor, Mo., between Advance, Mo., and Delta. They have been married for 41 years. In 1971, they retired and returned to Winchester's home.

Winchester was born July 11, 1912, and grew up in a farm outside of Advance. He has worked as a teacher, carpenter and firefighter. When he was 35, Winchester was the first person in his county to be drafted into the armed services. During World War II, Winchester served in the army for four years in the European Theater and saw action in the Battle of the Bulge.

"He loves to bowl and enjoys life," D'orsay Winchester said.

D'orsay said they have celebrated her husband's birthday four times. The Delta Community Center, Advance Senior Center and their family held celebrations for Winchester along with the Young at Heart League.

When asked to give advice for anyone wanting to live to be 100, Winchester credited his faith.

Windy Winchester gets his ball while bowling Wednesday, August 22, at Jackson Lanes. Winchester had said that he wanted to still be bowling at 100 years of age, a wish he fulfilled. (ADAM VOGLER)

"The best thing I know to do is to love the Lord thy God and strive to please your maker," Winchester said. "If you do your best for your creator, he'll bless you. He's my creator, and I can't say enough about him."

Winchester maintains a positive outlook on life.

"I love living," Winchester said. "I don't always do a good job, but I always do my best. If I do something for God, I always did my best in anything I do."

His wife agrees.

"We just take it easy, enjoy life and serve the Lord," D'orsay said.

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