(Published in The Orange County (CA) Register, December 5, 2012)

IN MEMORIAM - SGT. PHILIP FARNSWORTH, BALL TURRET GUNNER, 448th BOMB GROUP, 714th BOMB SQUADRON, CREW 96
OCTOBER 30, 1922 - NOVEMBER 30, 2012

CREW OF MISSION, AUGUST 8, 1944

Pilot - 2nd Lt. Harold G. Soldan, 0701967
Co-Pilot - 2nd Lt. Clement L. Maher, 0770700
Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Burrell E. Weaver, 0723217
Navigator - 2nd Lt. John B. Wade, Jr., 0772901
Cpl. James W. McConkie, 19120091
Cpl. James C. Alexander, 33514768
Cpl. Peter J. Campbell, 11113767
Cpl. Dale L. Emlet, 13122914
Cpl. Arthur E. Evans, 35339481
Cpl. Philip G. Farnsworth, 31318641

FULLERTON, CALIF. – Philip Farnsworth passed away Nov. 30, 2012, at home. He was born Oct. 30, 1922, in Machias, the third of three children of Colon and Francis (Foss) Farnsworth.

Along with his brother, Murland; and sister, Barbara, Phil grew up in a time and place where Christmas toys were whittled and walking was how one got around. He graduated from Machias Memorial High School in 1940, played baseball and excelled in basketball, joining the Machias town team after graduation.

Phil enlisted in the Army Air Force and in 1943 began flying missions in B-24s. He and the crew flew 34 missions together. Despite one crash landing and having to bail-out two times, once over enemy territory, getting back to safety through the French Underground, the crew that started together, finished together. Phil was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters.

In late 1957, Phil and his first wife, Alice (Kelley), packed all their belongings into the new station wagon and along with three young kids, the Christmas tree tied on top, they left Maine and headed to California for the promise of steady work!

Phil’s profession was auto body repair, working many years with Russ Ward Auto Body, Anaheim and as an instructor of the art at Cypress College. His passion was his family. He worked hard helping raise five children who today are successful people in their own right. For years Phil was a Little League coach and very involved in the Boy Scouts. He was honored with the Golden Bear, an award given in California to adult Scout leaders who have made a positive impact on youth by service given through the Boy Scouts. He was a member of West Anaheim Methodist Church.

Phil married Yvette (Desjardins), in 1992. He adored Yvette until the end. Moving close to downtown Fullerton, Calif., they enjoyed dancing and the company of many, many dear friends. Phil was a good story teller and always had an audience. The family is grateful that his downtown friends threw him a 90th birthday party Oct. 27, 2012, that was attended by 101 close friends and family!

Phil is survived by his wife, Yvette; sister, Barbara Bell of Winslow; one daughter, Pamela Swails and companion, Jimmy Williams, of Cape Coral, Fla.; and four sons, David and wife, Susan, of Bristol, Fla., Dana and wife, Betty, of Anaheim Hills, Peter and wife, Leesa, of Troy, and Kelley and companion, Donna Alvarado, of Anaheim, Calif.; one grandson, Phillip; and two granddaughters, Madison and Alice.

A military funeral will be held 12:30 p.m. Dec. 10, at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, Calif.

Rest In Peace, With The Thanks Of A Grateful Nation

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