Melvin Junior Quackenbush, age 88, of Pinetown, North Carolina, formerly of Washington, Indiana, passed away on March 28, 2019, after a brief illness. Born March 25, 1931, in Harrison Township, Daviess County, Indiana, he was the son of Charles William and Minnie Margaret (Schnarr) Quackenbush.
He attended Glendale Elementary and High School, where he loved basketball and baseball, and graduated from Montgomery High School in 1949. On October 7, 1950, he married the love of his life, Jewel Marcelene Way. He served in the United States Air Force in Texas and Wyoming, and was honorably discharged in 1952. He then began his career, spanning 43 years, as a railroad carman for Baltimore and Ohio and New York Central Railroads, U.S. Railway, and Conrail, having completed his apprenticeship with B&O Railroad in 1955 as well as his Certificate of Technical Training and A-1 Welder Certification. He also worked for the Daviess County Highway Department for three years, and was a lifelong farmer. He retired in 1993. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen of America, AFL-CIO and Teamsters, and was an honorary member of The Conrail Historical Society. “Junie” enjoyed playing horseshoes, cards, and pool, as well as fishing, ballgames, camping, morel mushroom hunting, berry picking, country music, and was an accomplished wood craftsman.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, his “Marty”, Jewel Marcelene (Way) Quackenbush, on March 1, 2004; his son William Joe Quackenbush on April 19, 1981; and, sisters Mildred “Millie” Collins and Lois Potts. He leaves his daughter, Linda Braziel and husband Reggie; three granddaughters: Amy Leonard Coltrain and husband Todd, Tammy Leonard Williams and husband Reubin, Brooke Elizabeth Leonard, all of Pinetown, NC, and one grandson, Seth William Leonard, of Winooski, VT; six great-grandchildren: Zachary Todd Coltrain and wife Bridgette, Isaac Thomas Coltrain and wife Kelsey, Tanner Ray Coltrain and wife Mollie, Taylor Jewel Coltrain, Parker Laine Williams, and Tucker Cade Williams; three great-great granddaughters: Nora Kate Coltrain, Thea Anne Coltrain, and Clara Rain Coltrain; and, many loved and cherished nieces and nephews. He is also survived by one brother Ron Quackenbush and wife Terry of Jasper, IN. Junior’s greatest passion was for his family, all of whom brought a great sense of pride and joy to his life, and he was especially proud of his position as patriarch of five generations. His family was the treasure chest of his life.
He will be lovingly and affectionately remembered for his gentle spirit, endless patience, unconditional love, sense of humor, and boyish charm. The family would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Fredrick Teixeira, Nurse Practitioner Barbara Connold, Dr. Tae Lee, and all of the staff of The Service League In-Patient Hospice and Vidant Home Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care.
Friends may visit with Junie’s family on Friday, April 5, 2019, from 1:00 to 3:00 at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home, 2020 State Street, Washington, IN, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 with Reggie A. Braziel officiating. A graveside service will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are his grandson Seth Leonard and great-grandsons Zachary Coltrain, Isaac Coltrain, Tanner Coltrain, and Tucker Williams. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to Ebenezer Cemetery, 1379 W 450 S, Washington, Indiana, 47501, Pinetown Volunteer Fire Department, 7262 N. Boyd Rd., Pinetown, NC, 27865, or to The Service League of Greenville In Patient Hospice, 920 Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC, 27834. On line memories may be shared with the Quackenbush family at www.goodwinsievers.com. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is honored to assist the Quackenbush family with arrangements.