Claude "Bud" Danks Jr.

CMSgt Claude "Bud" Danks, Jr., U.S. Air Force, Ret., age 87, of Gulfport, passed away on May 4, 2009 in Gulfport.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Danks; his parents, Claude Danks, Sr. and Mary Louise Danks; his brothers, Percy Danks, Maurice Danks, and Donald Danks; his sisters, Bernice Danks Olson and Leona Danks; and his son in law, Jake Ladner.

He is survived by his three daughters, Cheryl Mercer and her husband, John, Debbie Beatty and her husband, Robert, and Cathy Ladner; seven grandchildren, Melissa, Danny, Scott, Rebecca, Jessica, Travis, and Tyler; and two great grandchildren, Hannah and Garrison.

He retired from the U.S. Air Force after thirty years as CMSgt where he served during World War II and the Korean War. During his military career, he served as a transportation supervisor, was First Sergeant of the largest squadron at March Air Force Base, California, Personnel Sergeant Major at stateside and overseas stations, and Assistant Inspector General at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. His military citations included the American Defense Service Medal, American Theater Ribbon, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal with 5 bronze loops, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), National Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (4 bronze stars), and the Air Force Longevity Service Award (3 bronze oak leaf clusters).

Bud was an avid golfer having held a membership at Edgewater Golf Course, was a member of the VFW and Noncommissioned Officers Club, and served on March AFB Credit Union as a member of its Board of Directors.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2009 at 12:15 p.m. at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11213 Hwy. 49, Gulfport where family and friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until service time. Burial with full military honors will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

An online obituary may be viewed and a guestbook signed at www.riemannfamily.com.