W. Cecil Wink

W. Cecil Wink, 86, of Evansville, passed away at 12:15 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. at VNA Charlier Hospice Center.

Cecil was born April 20, 1923, in Owensboro, Ky. His family moved to Evansville when he was two years old. Cecil was a 1941 graduate of Bosse High School. He entered the United States Air Force in 1943 and was a ball turret gunner on a B-17. On his 11th mission, which was D-Day, Cecil was shot down over Belgrade, Yugoslavia. He was the last surviving member of his aircrew, all of whom survived the crash. Cecil was rescued by the Chetniks and taken care of for 66 days before he was rescued during Operation Halyard and flown back to Italy. This operation is discussed in the book "The Forgotten 500" and was the largest rescue of WWII. Cecil was the co-founder and president of Wink Tile Co. Inc. from 1953 until 1985 and was an instructor for the carpenter apprenticeship program for numerous years. He was married to Doris Johnston in December 1946. Cecil and his family enjoyed boating and camping. He loved his weekly poker game with a group of buddies for 20 plus years. He and Doris also played bridge with three other couples for many years. Cecil was a charter member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, a member of Evansville Masonic Lodge #64 and the Scottish Rite. He was past president of the Directors Staff at the Hadi Temple, a charter member of the Outboard Boating Club, a member of Carpenter's Local #90 and of the VFW Post # 1114.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Doris (Johnston) Wink of Evansville; daughter, Susanne Smyth and her husband, James, of Newburgh; son, Scott Wink and his wife, Linda, of Evansville; two granddaughters, Jennifer Rohrs and her husband, Ben, of Franklin, Ky., and Rachael Smyth of Newburgh; nephew, Douglas Wink and his wife, Karleen, of Evansville; niece, Sharon Johnson and her husband, Don, of Evansville; and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Cora (Brooks) Wink and a brother, Clarence Wink.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection is 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, at Boone Funeral Home, East Chapel, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, with Reverend Dr. Dennis Davenport officiating. Entombment in Oak Hill Mausoleum, where the Vanderburgh County Retired Veterans Club will perform full military rites.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at Boone Funeral Home, East Chapel, where the Evansville Masonic Lodge # 64 will hold a 7 p.m. memorial service. Friends may call again from 10 a.m. to services at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VNA Charlier Hospice Center, 610 E. Walnut St., Evansville, IN 47708, Tri State Food Bank, 801 E. Michigan St., Evansville, IN 47711 or to your favorite charity.

November 22, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Chuck Kerney, Oakland City, Indiana

November 22, 2009
Thoughts and prayers. Lot of Love.
“Gene-o” Gene Loehrlein, Denver, Colorado

November 21, 2009
Doris and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Cecil was a great guy and a fun person, he will be missed. Love and Prayers and Take Care
Jeanette Boyd, Evansville, Indiana