John William Hines Sr.

First Lt. John William Hines, Sr. 2028 Pond Meadow Road, Somerset, KY, passed away on Monday, December 3, 2007 at his residence, following a lengthy illness. Born, May9, 1920 in Somerset, he was preceded in death by his parents, former Pulaski county sheriff; BenP. (and Lelia Elrod) Hines; a sister, Helen Hines Burgin, Somerset, KY., Five brothers, Dr. Walter E. Hines, Maysville, KY., Bennie M. Hines, Atlanta, GA., Joseph R. Hines, Somerset, KY., Edwin D. Hines, Somerset, KY., Arthur J. Hines, Somerset, KY., and a step - daughter, Janette Marie Derwort, Somerset, KY. He is survived by his wife, Jessie Irene Powell Hines, whom he married on December 30, 1974, a son, John William Hines Jr. (John Bill), Lexington, KY., A daughter Melinda Thornton Hines-Brown, San Antonio, TX., Six step-sons, John, Jim, Joe, Jerry, Jeff, and Michael Derwort, the sons of his wife Jessie Hines, and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mr. Hines graduated from Somerset High School in 1937 and attended Kentucky Wesleyan College. He was an avid golfer and a long-standing member of the Somerset Country Club, and he and Mrs. Hines are members of the First United Methodist Church. Lt. Hines was a highly decorated World War II Veteran. He flew 51 missions and on February 4, 1944, his aircraft was hit in mid-air by extreme enemy fire, resulting in the death of the pilot and co-pilot. Lt. Hines had never flown an aircraft, as he was the Bombedier and his position was in the rear of the plane. Wounded, delirious, and bleeding, Hines pulled the deceased pilot from his seat, and brought the damaged and crippled aircraft to a safe landing in friendly territory. He was appointed the Distinguished flying Cross and the Purple Heart for "Brave and Heroic Services". To quote the United States War Department in 1944, "by his professional skill and courage, together with his outstanding personal combat record of over 50 successful missions against the enemy, Lt. John W, Hines has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.” Visitation will be Friday, December 7, 2007 at the Chapel of Pulaski Funeral Home from 11 AM to 1 PM until the commencement of the funeral service. Burial will be at Lakeside Memorial Gardens. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #38. Family Recommends expressions of sympathy take the form of donation to the Somerset First United Methodist Church Womens Guild. 99 S. Central Somerset, Ky 42501. Pulaski Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.