Charles L. Tinker

Birth date: Sep 26, 1933 Death date: Feb 7, 2022

Charles Leroy Tinker, a son of Vandalia and a decorated Naval Aviator for more than 50 years, earned his permanent aviator wings on February 7, 2022. Born in Vandalia, Illinois in 1933 to Kemper Tinker and Imogene Hudson, he spen Read Obituary

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Glen Tully

116w ago

I just found out about Sonny's passing,I am so sorry for Mitch and family. I have not seen him since 2006 but his name was legendary in our house. Because of him I developed a passion for flying and aircraft, though I never became a pilot I passed on the love of flying to my son who today flies corporate jet. Sonny was larger than life, great human being, and an inspiration, I still remember being 5 years old racing up and down the hallway while wearing his flight helmet
Rest in peace.

Glen Tully
Bragg Creek Alberta Canada

Kristin Wilson

125w ago

As a friend of Kemp's I had the pleasure to meet Mr and Mrs Tinker on several occasions. I had a fun crush on Capt Tinker! What a wonderful man. May you rest in peace. God bless.

Jim Doran

161w ago

I served with "Tink" briefly in USS Constellation when he was our Air Operations Officer. I was his CGA Gunner when was COMCVWR-20 and served as a fighter squadron Gunner when he was CO, NAS Oceana. I gave him the scar on his upper lip while we were playing 3-man cut-throat racketball in 1976. I just found out of his passing today. Mitch I'm so sorry.
CWO4 Jim Doran, USN (RET)
Edenton, NC

Carrie L

168w ago

I took a wonderful tour of the National Naval Aviation Museum and was lucky enough to have Chuck as my guide. We spent about an hour with him going through the facility, listening to stories, and being thoroughly entertained by Chuck. Even though we only knew each other for that short time, Chuck had quite an impact on me. He makes me proud to be an American!

William Fruland

174w ago

I worked for Captain Tinker in the Joint Staff at the Pentagon from 1984 to 1986. He was the Deputy Director of the Joint Planning Staff for Space. Great leader and great person. I recall that on a particularly frustrating day as "second-in-command" he would lament 'I'd rather be commander of a row boat than deputy commander of a battleship!' I used that quote many times since. Rest in peace Captain Tinker. a true American hero.

Anonymous

192w ago

Sent an Arrive in Style to the Tinker family.

Elegant floral composition with pink roses and white lilies, perfect for enhancing any space.

Send flowers

Mark Whitman

192w ago

We are so sad to hear of the loss of “Tinker”. He was a true man of character, and if you ever met him it would only take a second to see that, truly a last of a breed. Our love and prayers are with the family.
“Throw a nickel on the grass”
God bless
The Whitman’s

Anonymous

193w ago

Sent a Country Basket Blooms to the Tinker family.

A colorful flower basket with gerbera daisies and roses, ideal for gifts.

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John Debusk

193w ago

I have had the pleasure and honor get to know Chuck over the last 10 years. He was, and will always be, a true American hero. I will never forget him. My prayers go out to his family as they mourn the loss of their great husband and father.

John DeBusk
Pensacola, FL

Ken G Jaworski

193w ago

I have not known Chuck that long nor was in his presence that often. However, what an honorable, professional and humorous person. His remaining family should be very proud. I am sure Mitch knows what she had in such a wonderful person. I want to thank Chuck for his service to this wonderful country. It is because of people like him that we enjoy such great freedom.

So long Chuck you left a wonderful legacy.

Ken Jaworski

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