Robert E. Hinkle, 91, of Portersville and Lake Wales, Fla., passed away with his family at his side on Thursday evening at Butler Memorial Hospital.

He was born Sept. 23, 1919, in Ellwood City to the late Joseph Piersol Hinkle and the late Edna R. Bushyeager Hinkle.

He served in the U.S. Army from July 1941 to June 1945 and was in the 47th Infantry Division, 3rd Army and fought in Algeria, French Morocco, Rhineland, Normandy, Northern France, Sicily and Tunisia. He received the American Defense Service Medal, Dist. Unit Badge, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and the World War II Victory Medal.

He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 252 and the B.P.O. Elks 1356.

He worked at the U.S. Steel Ellwood Works for 35 years until his retirement, and he also worked at Moraine State Park for 10 years.

He was Protestant, and he enjoyed spending time with his family and wintering in Lake Wales, Fla.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Gary W. Hinkle on April 4, 1994, and Brian T. Hinkle on May 6, 1989. He also was preceded in death by two brothers, William J. and Glen R. Hinkle; and three sisters, Margaret Akinson, Dorothy Bingle and Betty Moffatt.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ada L. Stratton Hinkle, two sons, Robert G. Hinkle and his wife, Betty, of Portersville, and Jon R. Hinkle and his wife, Mylinda, of Woodbine, Md.; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Buddy and Donald Hinkle; and a sister, Jean Miller.

<B>HINKLE</B> — A private memorial service for Robert E. Hinkle, who died Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010, will be held later.Arrangements have been entrusted to the <B>TURNER FUNERAL HOME </B>of Ellwood City.Memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, www.fallenheroesfund.org.You may view the obituary, sign the guest book, and send condolences online at www.turnerfh.com.