More detail on this person: Charles R. Klinkert
went home to be with our Lord on July 13, 2015 at
the age of 92. He was born in Long Beach, CA to
"Doc" Charles and Violet Mae (Credit) Klinkert.
Chuck grew up in Long Beach, CA. When he was
young he would watch airplanes take-off and land
at a nearby airfield which started his passion for
flying. During that time he also discovered his
second passion and that was the love of his life,
"Dolly" Darlyn. They were married in 1944.
When WWII began Chuck knew he wanted to be a
pilot and enlisted into the Army-Air Corp. He was
part of the 9th AF 434th Troop Carrier Group and
the 74th Troop Carrier Squadron in Europe and
Africa. When the war ended he was a partner in
Acme Aircraft Company at Torrance Airport. He
restored WWII planes, performed aircraft
maintenance, and gave flying lessons. He was also
in the Army Air Corp/Air Force Reserve.
When the Korean War started Chuck signed up for
the Air Force and went off to Korea. He was part
of 452nd & 17th Bomb Wing. Chuck was then
stationed at Holloman Air Force Base in New
Mexico working in Air Research & Development.
Two years later he was sent to Iran through the US
Embassy as an Advisor to the Iranian Air Force.
Then he was stationed in Roswell, NM working in
SAC-6 Bomb Wing. His next assignment was at
March Air Force Base 15th Air Force. From March
he was stationed in Taiwan as an Advisor to the
Taiwanese Air Force. His next set of orders were
to Vietnam as a Helicopter Pilot and Squadron
Commander for the Jolly Green Rescue &
Recovery. Chuck was then assigned to Norton Air
Force Base working in the Inspector General's
office. His final assignment was back to March Air
Force Base where he retired in 1972.
Chuck was awarded numerous medals during his
Military career including the Silver and Bronze
Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Air
Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force
Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal,
Military Merit, Air Force Longevity Service Award
Ribbon.
After Chuck retired he built his retirement home
in Fallbrook and continued to be involved in
flying as a licensed Commercial Pilot, Flying
Instructor, and Airplane Mechanic at the old
Temecula Airfield and French Valley Airport. He
also enjoyed playing golf as well as going camping
and fishing. On one camping trip to Colorado he
even went River Rafting and rowed across a lake in
a kayak. Chuck didn't seem to slow down very
much as he got older. He was asked numerous
time when was he going to start acting his age!
Chuck had a kind heart and was always willing to
lend a hand. Everywhere he would go it seemed
people took an instant liking to him. He had a
wonderful ability of sharing his many adventures
of the places he had traveled. He also had a
mischievous side and always enjoyed teasing his
sister and his wife, whom he called "Sport."
Charles Jr., Chuck, Charlie, Chuckles, Daddy,
Papa_some of the names he has been called, will
be greatly missed. Yet we rejoice in knowing that
he is in Heaven free of any pain or suffering.
Chuck is survived by his loving wife of 71 years,
Darlyn; his eldest daughter Charlyn preceded him
in death in 1970. Daughters Shirley (Michael)
Madril, and Candace (Bruce) Perry. Grandsons
Scott (Michelle) Knight, Michael (Erika) Madril,
Kenneth Perry; Granddaughters Lisa (Paul)
Jennings, and Michelle Perry; along with 9
great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his
sister Virginia Morris and her three children
Lynda (Kelly) Sullivan, Darlene Sorensen, and
Rusty (Bonnie) Morris.
A Celebration of Chuck's life will be held on
Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 11:00 am at
LifePointe Church, 221 N. Pico Ave., Fallbrook, CA
(Corner of Hawthorn & Pico). In lieu of flowers
donations may be made to LifePointe Church, PO
Box 2648, Fallbrook, CA 92088.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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