Raymond R. Yinger

Raymond R. "Bud" Yinger passed away Friday, May 11, 2012, in Arlington. Memorial service: 11 a.m. Saturday, May 19, at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Inurnment: at a later date in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Honor Flight of DFW or a charity of choice. Bud was born July 2, 1924, in St. Louis, Mo. He joined the Marines in May 1942. He was very proud to have served in VMF-214, the Blacksheep Squadron, under Maj. Greg "Pappy" Boyington (Medal of Honor recipient). The squadron was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in July 1943. Bud joined Vought in 1949 and rose from plane captain to airport manager. After retiring from Vought in 1980, he traveled the world consulting for General Dynamics. He then joined the company and was manager of the in-country F-16 program in Pakistan. Still with General Dynamics, he managed the East Coast "top gun" operation in Key West. After permanently retiring, he enjoyed playing golf and going to the Fitness Center at Arlington Memorial Hospital. He made many friends at both. He would want to thank the Cardiac Rehab Nurses for their life-extending efforts to make exercise fun and for their friendship. One of Bud's most precious memories of his later years was the trip he took to the nation's capital with Honor Flight of DFW. He thought it was so wonderful that he began encouraging all World War II veterans to take the trip, which is provided free. As of now, 10 veterans from the Fitness Center have gone. Bud's sweet, positive-attitude personality stayed with him to the end. When asked how he was feeling, he would say "I feel fine" or "I'm OK." when we knew that couldn't be exactly true. He had a wonderful life and we celebrate that life. Survivors: His loving wife of 44 years, Grace; his sons, Raymond R. Yinger III and William Dean Yinger (Candice); granddaughters, Kay Wolf, Morgan Yinger and Braelyn Yinger; grandsons, Raymond R. Yinger IV, Christopher, Timothy and Anthony Yinger; five great-grandchildren; sister, Elaine Johnson; and many special friends. Wade Family Funeral Home Arlington, 817-274-9233