Army pilot, firefighter, husband father remembered at memorial service
WORTH TWP — Chris Hinkle grew from an unpolished young man to a firefighter, husband and father who fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a Black Hawk helicopter pilot.
Hinkle of Slippery Rock, who died Aug. 17 while living in Japan, was honored Saturday at a memorial service at Lakeview Beach in Moriane State Park.
In a eulogy for his brother, Todd Hinkle said Chris was a little rough around the edges as a young man. He said Chris wore skull earrings and a bandanna, and sported long hair.
He said he had concerns over how Chris would conform in the Army, but he completed basic training.
“When he was at work, he was 100% soldier. When he was home, he was 100% dad,” Todd said.
He said he and Chris stayed connected by phone and internet while he was away.
On Aug. 16, Todd said he received phone call from Chris’ wife, Angelia, saying Chris was in a hospital and had one or two days left to live.
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