Lewis Tingler

Lewis Tingler, a resident of Wymer, will celebrate his 100th birthday on Dec. 13.

He was born in Whitmer on Dec. 13, 1925, a son of the late Ted and Ethel Elza Tingler.

From eight years old until he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, he resided with his grandparents, Salem and Maxie Elza, on their farm located near Whitmer. He said his favorite chore was taking care of the animals.

As the Great Depression continued, he joined the CCC Camp. During his time in the CCC, he helped to build roads in the Sully area, worked on parks, built fence in the Smoke Hole area, and put the telephone lines from Seneca Rocks to Onego.

At the age if 17, he joined the U.S. Army. Following basic and advanced training, he was sent to California, where he was shipped out to New Guinea.

He was in a group of four squadrons, whose duty was hauling bombs, fuel for planes and ammunition to take over islands in the South Pacific. Once an island was taken over by the Americans, the soldiers moved on to another island.

Once cleared of the enemy, airstrips were built on the islands to launch attacks. When the war ended, he was sent to Japan as part of the Allied occupation.

He was employed as a school bus driver in the Harman area and as a mechanic for Randolph County Schools for 34 years. When he was younger, he enjoyed farming.

He and his late wife, Thelma Long Tingler, are the parents of three children, David and Carolyn Tinger of Romney; Barbara and Jim Hinkle of Dry Fork; and Donna and Sam Knotts of Pickens. He has five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. One grandson is deceased.

He is a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 29 and enjoys eating breakfast at Scottes and watching RFDTV.

Cards for the couple may be sent to 16351 Allegheny Highway, Bowden, WV 26254.

Lewis Tingler