Wilford L. Doud

Wilford Lynn Doud, 89, died Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at the Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit. He was born May 19, 1922 at Otego, Kansas to Herbert and Gladys Underwood Doud. He graduated from Burr Oak High School in the Class of 1940.

Wilford enlisted in the U.S. Signal Corps at Fort Crook, Nebraska in November, 1942. He was a radio operator and gunner on a B-24 bomber. Wilford served with the 450th bomb group, 721 bomb squadron of the 15th Air Force and flew over 20 missions. He later became an amateur ham radio operator and served with the Kansas Army Mars for over 50 years.

He farmed his entire life in Jewell County, Kansas.

Wilford was a member of the Downs United Methodist Church. In addition, he enjoyed membership in the Cawker City American Legion for 66 years, Cawker City Masonic Lodge and Order of Eastern Star, and was a longtime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6242 of Beloit.

In 1949 he married Norma Lea Moyer in Ionia, Kansas. Wilford and Norma Lea were married for 62 years. Four children were born to this union: Rise (John) Russin, Carol Doud; Stuart Doud, and Brenda (Kevin) Waite; four grandchildren Laura (David) Munson, Michael Russin, Kylie Waite and Kasey Waite. In addition, he is survived by one sister Doris Matousek of Mankato and one brother Eldon Doud of Mankato.

Wilford was preceded in death by his parents; one sister Eileen Cowles and one brother Lawrence Doud.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the McDonald Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Downs Cemetery with military rites. Memorials may be given to the Downs Library or the Downs Memorial Park.