Robert J. Hinch

MSGT Robert J. Hinch, Sr. (Retired USAF) It is with great sadness that the family of Robert J. Hinch, Sr., 70, of Washington, must inform of his passing peacefully, at home, on Saturday, March 28, 2015. He was born on June 13, 1944, in LaFollette, TN, a son of the late Odis E. and Edna F. Raglin Hinch. When he was young, the family moved to Toledo, OH, where he graduated from Macomber High School. He then enlisted into the United States Air Force on March 4, 1964. While in the military, he excelled as an aircraft mechanic, on the B-47 Stratojet, C-130 Hercules, and KC-10 Extender. His service stationed him in Idaho, Alaska, Tennessee, Okinawa, Japan, Maine, Arkansas, Germany, and Louisiana. Mr. Hinch retired on September 30, 1984, and received several commendations and medals for his service. He was a Vietnam Veteran, and particularly proud of his service to his country. After retiring from the USAF, he moved to Washington, PA in 1987, to teach aircraft maintenance at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, where he remained for thirteen years. During that time, he became a CDL Truck Driver, and drove all over the U.S. Mr. Hinch finished his working career at MedSource, Inc., before officially retiring in 2010. Among his many hobbies, were building and flying model airplanes. He also learned to fly real airplanes, and earned his private pilot’s license. Riding his motorcycle, which he rode as often as possible, was his latest thrill. Robert was a member of the Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion, Washington VFW and the NRA. On May 29, 1964, he married Lillie R. Bennett, who survives. They celebrated almost 51 years of marriage. He is also survived by three children, Robert J. Hinch, Jr., of Washington, Lora K. (John) Plymire, of Maryland, and John J. Hinch, of Washington; two sisters, Barbara S. Black and Elizabeth A. (Rick) Wagoner, both of New York; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; Sonny and Phyllis Brickman, and numerous extended family. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 4, 2015, in New Hope Church of the Nazarene, 205 Hart Ave, Washington, with Rev. James M. York, Jr. officiating.