Mr. Clinton Wilkes' Obituary
Clinton Wilkes passed away November 26, 2009 after a brief illness. Born September 7, 1920 he was 89 years old. He retired from the Air Force after service of 22 years in both World War II, United Nations Peace Keeping and the Korean War. He was with the 391st Bombardment Group which was composed of four Squadrons in series from 572 through 575, his was the 574th. He was decorated with three bronze star medals. This medal is presented for Heroic or Meritorious Service. In civilian life he was a builder of bridges and worked as a foreman with Brown and Root. After retirement from this company he enjoyed bowling, woodworking, and yard crafts as a hobby. He loved to watch the old western movies and carefully followed bowling tournaments on cable TV. Although he had notched a few perfect 300 point games, the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame certified one for him on April 20, 1997. It is permanently inscribed in Hometown Heroics.
He was a very diligent and hard worker with a strong sense of duty and attention to detail. Like a compass pointing to the north, these qualities were constant and unwavering through life. He will be missed but never forgotten. He is survived by his wife Mary of 56 years, son David, daughter Mary Ann Hanegan and husband Steve, granddaughter Rachael McGee and husband Todd, grandson Peter Hanegan and wife Krystal, grandson Matthew Hanegan and wife Kandice, great grandsons Kyle, Quinn, and Corey McGee, and sisters Judy Fleck and Lear McElveen.
What’s your fondest memory of Clinton?
What’s a lesson you learned from Clinton?
Share a story where Clinton's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Clinton you’ll never forget.
How did Clinton make you smile?