Clifford L. Younkins, TSgt USAF Retired, 89, of Butler, died December 22, 2017 in Hospice Care at VA Butler Healthcare. Born August 30, 1928 in Worthington PA, to Clifford Donaldson Younkins and Margaret Kerr Younkins of West Winfield PA, he was the oldest of five children.
Clifford graduated from Winfield Township High School in June 1948 where he played baseball and basketball. He continued his education at Butler Business College, then enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) on November 3, 1948. His training included Military Training Instructors School, Administrative School and Non-Commissioned Officer’s Leadership School. He served at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB) in San Antonio, TX; Warren AFB in Cheyenne WY; Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque NM; Itazuk AFB in Japan (Korean War); Lockbourne AFB in Columbus, OH; Laredo AFB in Laredo, TX and Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, AK. He completed his active duty service on November 1, 1970 after serving his country for 22 years. He and his family traveled the 4000 miles back to PA by car with camper, traversing the original Alaska Highway, which was considered a rough road to drive with partially gravelled surface through Canada.
Clifford’s service was recognized with Military Commendations including: Air Force Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon . In 2013, he was honored with a plate on the Legacy Data Plate Wall of Honor, National Museum of the USAF, Wright Patterson AFB Dayton OH – a trip that marked his 85th birthday.
After his retirement from the Air Force, Clifford was employed by the County of Butler, G.C. Murphy Co. and David H. Tack, Inc. He graduated from Butler Community College in 1980. He also had a small business for engraving plastic signs and badges.
Clifford married Grace Floreed McCracken on November 12, 1954 in Springdale, PA. They celebrated 63 years of marriage this year with their five children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. The couple were members of Christ Community United Methodist Church and enjoyed square dancing and round dancing with the Keystone Squares Club.
His hobbies included building and flying remote control aircrafts and he was an active member of the Butler Area Radio Flying Society. He was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed daily crossword puzzles.
Loved ones left to cherish his memory in addition to his wife, Grace, are his five children and their spouses: Cheryl (Ralph) Youkers, Butler; Lorie (Richard) Lewis, Chicora; Janet (Paul) Kirkwood, Butler; Clifford T. (Lisa) Younkins, Girard and Amy (Robert) Windom, Orlando FL. Four grandchildren: Dane (Rebecca) Youkers, Cheswick; Brittany Younkins, Girard; Courtney (Brandon) Youger, Sewickley; Nicole Kirkwood (fiancé Patrick LaFrankie), Baldwin. Three great-grandchildren: Gavin, Max and Ella Youkers, Cheswick. Three brothers: Raymond (Audrey) Younkins, Butler; Lester (Margaret) Younkins, Portsmith, VA and Gerald Younkins, Houston TX. Clifford was preceded in death by sister, Patricia Younkins .
Friends will be received Tuesday, December 26, 2017, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Thompson – Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 East North Street Butler, PA.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, 11:00 am at the Christ Community United Methodist Church, 205 N Duffy Road Butler, PA, with Pastor Bruce Gascoine, officiating.
Burial will take place in the Butler County Memorial Park with full military honors provided by the United States Air Force.
Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.