Wilmer F. 'Hank' Kirkwood

Wilmer F. “Hank” Kirkwood, a Lab retiree and resident of Livermore, died June 26, at Valley Care Hospital in Pleasanton. He was 90.

Born Dec. 11, 1920 in Baltimore, Md., he was the first of two sons born to Wilmer and Madeline Kirkwood. He attended Baltimore public schools and graduated in 1939. He received an aeronautical engineering degree from Spartan College in Oklahoma.

In 1942, he married Doris Stumpf and they had three sons Tom, Steve and Randy.

He joined the Army Air Corp in 1942 and was commissioned as 2nd Lt. He was assigned as a navigator on B-24 bombers. Kirkwood served in North Africa and Italy with the 15th Air Force and was later transferred to the 8th Air Force in England. He flew 35 missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal (six times) and the European Theater Ribbon with three battle stars. He was discharged in 1944 and worked for Martin Aircraft Co. in Baltimore, Md.

In 1950, he reentered the Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in the Philippine Islands. He was discharged again in 1952 and stayed active in the Air Force Reserve. He retired as a Lt. Colonel after 22 years of combined service.

The family moved to California in 1952 in anticipation of going to the Philippines; however, he was returned stateside. The family stayed in California and Kirkwood began working at the Lab.

After retiring in 1982, he and his wife traveled extensively with family and friends. After her death in 1991, he and his companion, Joan Bolgen, continued to travel.

Kirkwood enjoyed woodworking and golf. He was a member of Seniors In Retirement and rose to the position of Big Sir. He was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and participated in many of their activities and ceremonies.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, and companion, Joan. He is survived by his brother, Harold Lloyd Kirkwood; three sons and their wives; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 21, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 522 South L St., Livermore.