Esten Peabody

Esten H. Peabody of Winslow passed away on Saturday September 19, 2026, after a brief illness.

Dad was born in Washington Maine on November 10, 1932, to Ulric and Esther (Lenfest) Peabody. He was the youngest of four boys and graduated from Union High School in 1951. Growing up, dad liked playing baseball and developed his passion for hunting with his family that would last a lifetime.

He enlisted in the Air Force soon after high school and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War, working as a mechanic on the bombers and fighter jets. Dad was very proud of his military service and had a remarkable memory full of places, stories and at times some colorful Japanese language, from his deployment.

Soon after his return to Maine, he began his 35-year career as a sprinkler fitter for Automatic Sprinkler Co., installing fire suppression systems in buildings across New England. About that time, he met Evelyn Kay Buzzell of Benton. They were married on August 9, 1958, settled in Winslow and raised their three children. Dad loved coaching Little League baseball and would often commute back and forth a couple of hours to jobs so he could be home for the baseball games. Win or lose, there were many times the whole team would pile into the back of his pickup truck to get an ice cream at Smiley’s. He could often be seen out in the street throwing sky high pop flies for the kids in the neighborhood.

Dad was a very active member of the Winslow VFW for years. He enjoyed the many friends he made there and was quick to participate in his fellow veterans' memorial services and parades. He was particularly proud of his time working with the high school on the VFW scholarship program. Dad was well liked by all, hardworking, humble and had a pretty good sense of humor. For years he would dye his beard green for St. Patrick’s
Day and go about his daily work or routine. His favorite month was November, not because it was his and mom’s birthdays, but because it was hunting season. Dad loved walking through the woods and hunting with his brothers and other family members. He told, and re-told, many hunting stories over the years.

He was predeceased by his parents Ulric and Esther, our wonderful mom Evelyn (Buzzell) Peabody, and his brothers Neal, Milton, and Phillip.

He is survived by his children, Bruce (JoAnn), Dale (Sharon) and Cheryl and his grandchildren Lauren, Carolyn, Hannah (Isaac) and Luke (Kelsey), and one great granddaughter, Charlotte.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, October 16th at 12:00 pm in the committal shelter at the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 143 Blue Star Avenue, Augusta. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 30th at 1:00 pm at the Winslow VFW, 175 Veteran Drive, Winslow.

We would like to thank Molly, Frank and others from Gentiva Hospice for dad’s care over his last days.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed; condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of dad to the Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, at www.hvwa.org