Maj. (Ret.) Paul Eugene PINKERTON

FUNERAL HOME

Hubbell Funeral Home & Crematory

499 N. Indian Rocks Rd.

Belleair Bluffs, Florida

Paul PINKERTON Obituary

PINKERTON, Maj. Paul Eugene USAF (Ret.)

96, joined his six brothers and sisters in the Lord's loving arms after a long life in which he loved and was much loved by his family and friends. He lived 72 of those years with the love of his life, Eleanor. He is survived by Eleanor; his children, Cherie Durfee-Smith (DeKalb, EL), John Pinkerton (Tarpon Springs), Pha Icenhower (Spring, TX) and Shawna Byrd (Clearwater); 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

A native of Nu Mine, Pennsylvania, Paul enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1941 and was sent to navigator's school after badly bouncing his biplane on his last landing. He was posted to the 91st bomb group, 401st bomb squadron flying B-17s out of Bassingborne, England in 1943. On mission 12B, flying a substitute plane instead of 'Round Trip Topsy,' two engines were lost to flak. Being pursued by two ME109s, Paul navigated the plane and crew to Switzerland, where they were interned at Davos-Platz. Knowing that his wife, Eleanor, was pregnant with their first child, he escaped, traveled through Occupied France and Italy and returned to England. He retired from military service in 1962, and civilian service in 1980 while in St. Louis. He and Eleanor moved to their current home in Largo in 1982. Paul loved playing cards, sharing his winnings of quarters with his grandchildren. He was a member of the Swiss Internees and American Legion and a member of Hope Presbyterian Church of Clearwater for 30 years. Visitation is Tuesday from 5-7 pm at the Hubbell Funeral Home 499 N. Indian Rocks Rd., Belleair Bluffs with a service Friday, April 24 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the American Lung Association.

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Published by Tampa Bay Times on Apr. 21, 2015.

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Dustin Pinkerton

April 22, 2015

Grandfather: such a title, for you were certainly grand. You were always the foundation of our family and memories will never fully compensate when I see your empty chair. You were a father to all of us, a never ending role model, a spiritual leader, an inspiration of kindness, a ceaseless smile and an endless ability to draw laughter from everyone around. Although I prefer vodka to gin, every martini I drink will be a silent toast to you and a treasured moment. Thank you for all that you gave to us, Grandfather.

Toni & John Bowen

April 22, 2015

Paul just know that your loved here on earth and will never be forgotten. Pha is a wonderful daughter and you two will be together some day. Go forth dear Paul, may you forever rest in peace.

Debra Greenagel

April 21, 2015

Pha, so very sorry for your loss. May your faith comfort and guide you through this difficult time.

John Pinkerton

April 21, 2015

A Great father and my role model. Even though I did not always follow your guidance, you managed to keep me on the right path. I will miss you and you will always be in my thoughts. I love you Dad. Thanks for being my DAD .

Ki Welch

April 21, 2015

Mr. Pinkerton,
You were always so welcoming and kind to me and all of Pha's friends. I still recall you reading the newspaper and Shauna would sit in your lap and read it with you. Your patience and your sense of humor were wonderful. I am so glad you and Mrs. Pinkerton raised such a wonderful daughter, Pha, who I get to call my dear friend. God Speed.
Ki Welch

Carol West

April 21, 2015

I'm sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family for the loss of your beautiful father. May he rest in Peace.

Pha Icenhower

April 21, 2015

I know that I am blessed much more than most to have had the privilege of calling you Dad for 64 years. This does not make it any easier to let you go...if anything, more difficult as I have come to depend upon your always being there for me. Your empty chair is a constant and painful reminder of your absence. I am so grateful of your raising me with the belief that this separation is temporary. I know that you are wrapped in the loving arms of our Savior Jesus Christ...that He has made you, once again, strong and whole...that you are surrounded by your Mum and Dad, brothers and sisters, that you have been missing. Knowing that we WILL be together someday, is the place I go to find comfort, joy and solace. I thank God everyday for making me your little girl. You were and are and always will be a GREAT Dad! With love from your loving daughter, Pha

April 21, 2015

You were blessed and you are blessed. I miss you already, Colleen

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