A final post for all Dad’s Facebook friends and family: Dad’s greatest hope was that he and his family be loved and loving. I think he got his wish. Dad loved to hear laughter and loved to make people laugh. This final post is one of his terrible jokes that made people laugh despite themselves. “There were these two strings walking down the sidewalk and they decided to go into a bar. The bartender yelled,”We don’t serve your kind in here. Get out!” The two string walked, sulking out to the side walk. Then the one string perked and said,” I have an idea.” He unraveled his top end and then twisted into a knot. Upon entering the bar, the bartender yells again,” I thought I told you that we don’t serve your kind in here.” The string replied, “I’m a frayed not!” Okay, you may groan now. Dad would be in tears. Few new he was a combat veteran of the Pacific Campaign, a gunner on an LCT and LST. He was in the first invasion of the Philippines at Leyte Gulf. He would cry when talking of the rusted, damaged ships he passed as they made their way through the Panama Canal. He knew all too well as an eighteen year old kid, that he faced a terrible future. The Japanese lay in the water pretending to be dead, then would lob grenades into landing craft as they approached the beach. Kamikaze attacks were also a part of his war experience. He survived a huge typhoon at sea and watched the deck of his landing craft twist as they progressed through the waves. Lastly, his landing craft made its way upriver behind enemy lines to bring out Australian guerrilla fighters, who had been forward observers in the Cebu and Mindanao campaigns. Dad was given a Japanese flag as a ‘thank you’ from one of the men. Dad often worked two jobs to make ends meet. He never complained about the two jobs, just complained about the heat at Warner Gear in the summer. His work ethic defined him as a man. His undying faith in God defined him as a man. His friendship and willingness to help anyone in need defined him as a man. He was my hero… my buddy… my best man…. my Dad. My email is travelin4101@yahoo if any wish to get in touch. Services are at Meeks Mortuary, Muncie, Indiana online condolences are available online. Viewing is from 10:00 a.m-12:00 p.m. Services will begin at 12:00 p.m. and conclude at Gardens of Memory Cemetery Chapel following a motorcade. Full military rites will occur there. As Dad would say, “Praise God!” and “God Bless and Help America!” Thank you for loving my Dad.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 22:20:55 +0000
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