Phillip Claude Hinds

Phillip Claude Hinds, 76, passed away Friday, June 22, 2012, at a local medical facility. A funeral service will be held in the chapel of Piersall Funeral Directors on Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Texas State Cemetery, Abilene. A visitation with his family is scheduled for Monday June 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home, 733 Butternut St.

Phillip was born at the family home in Kentucky on March 12, 1936 to Dorsey and Florence (Davidson) Hinds. He married Susan Salmen in Ballinger, Texas on November 1, 1983.

After serving in the U. S. Army for 2 years, Mr. Hinds transferred to the U. S. Air Force, where he served for the next 28 years. He achieved the high rank of Senior Master Sergeant and served as Flight Engineer Superintendent on his flight crew. He retired from the Air Force after serving his country for a total of 30 years. His many decorations include Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, AF outstanding unit award with three bronze oak leaf clusters, Combat Readiness Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam), Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Overseas short tour ribbon with two bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Force overseas long tour ribbon, AF longevity service award ribbon with one silver and one bronze oak leaf cluster, NCO professional military education graduate ribbon and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Phillip enjoyed his flying career with the Air Force that allowed him to see the world, after retirement he enjoyed fishing and watching his son play baseball.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Susan; a son Matthew Hinds and wife Daniele of Fairbanks, Alaska; and 3 daughters, Pattie Laxton of Harriman, Tennessee, Wendy Burt and Husband Jeff of Ligonier, Indiana, and Rachel Haq and husband Ronnie of Houston, and seven grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Veterans Service Office, 400 Oak St suite 170, Abilene, Texas 79602.