MANCHESTER – Charles L. Hippler Jr., our beloved father and grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at the age of 91, on Nov. 27, 2018, at Maine Veterans Home in Augusta.

He was born on July 7, 1927, the son of Charles L. and Edna (Merrill) Hippler. Charlie grew up on the shores of his beloved Lake Cobbosseecontee and this is where he developed his lifelong love of wooden boats. Many nights, you could hear him rumbling in “Biganfast” with buddies Dick Merrill, Doc Hersom, Pete Blouin and Wayne Rankin.

At age seven, he became a dam keeper. He served the town of Manchester in various capacities:  Selectboard, Planning Board, Charter Member of the Fire Department and member for 69 years, Lions Club Charter Member and Director for 63 years, Sanitary District Trustee, Cobbossee Water Shed Trustee and designed the original logo.

Charlie was also Treasurer for the Maine Automobile Dealers Association and member of the Maine Stock Car Association as well as a Corporator at Kennebec Savings Bank.

He served two years in the Army in Reims, France in the Motor Pool (of course!) The stories he shared with us of his time there were some of our favorites.

From an early age, Dad knew what he wanted to do – sell cars! He started Hippler’s Used Cars and Trucks in Manchester, in 1949. He married the love of his life, Priscilla Whitman in 1957. They immediately started their family. His sons, Charlie and Jim, started working with him before their teens, and now run the business.

Dad lived life to the fullest, on his terms and was a dynamo. His energy matched his ambition and drive.

Charlie is survived by his children, Susan and husband, Timothy Banden, Charles L. Hippler III and wife, Stephanie, James Hippler and wife, Renee and Jane and husband, William Dennison. His grandchildren were the light of his life, Marissa Canario, James and Ian Hippler, Elizabeth Dennison and Charles Hippler IV; and two great-grandchildren, Victor and Zoey; and his sister, Mary Marshall; as well as, special niece, Pug Perkins and nephew, Dave Poulin.

Charlie was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Gilbert.

As a friend said recently, “Dad was a man’s man and brilliant.”

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 1, at 11 a.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St, Augusta, with a reception to follow at the Manchester Fire Station, Route 17.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to

Boy’s Town Nebraska,

14100 Crawford Street,

Boys Town, NE 68010