Obituary
Vincent John Brinker, 98 of Wellsville died Monday March 15, 2010 at the Golden Living Center-Gamma Road in Wellsville.
Mr. Brinker was born on December 7, 1911 in Flint Hill, MO to John and Theresa (Schulte) Brinker. On Sept. 6, 1948 he married Mary Ann Aulbur of Martinsburg in a double wedding with her sister Agnes and Agnes’ husband Gerald Bertels. Mr. and Mrs. Brinker Raised four children on their farm in Montgomery County.
Survivors include his wife Mary Ann (Aulbur) Brinker of Wellsville; daughter, Janelle (Brinker) Dozier and husband Don of Austin, Texas; three sons, Andrew Brinker of Oakton, Virginia, Henry Brinker of Des Peres, Missouri, and Bernard Brinker of Wellsville. Mr. Brinker’s three grandchildren, Megan, Erin, and James Brinker all live in St. Louis near their parents, Henry and Diane Brinker. All of Mr. Brinker’s Children, grandchildren, son-in-law-, and daughter-in-law are all graduates of the University of Missouri-Columbia, reflecting his commitment to education.
Mr. Brinker held various jobs throughout the depression, including working on the Aulbur and Ahrens farms in Martinsburg where he met his future wife. At the beginning of World War II, Mr. Brinker worked for McDonnell Aircraft Corp. at Lambert Field in St. Louis before Joining the Army Air Force.
From 1943 to 1945 Mr. Brinker served in World War II in the Army Air Corps as a radioman in the 364 Fighter Group flying out of Royal Air Force Honington Air Field, England. His Sea Voyage to England was on the luxury liner Queen Mary, which had been refitted as a troop carrier.
In the service, Mr. Brinker, a sergeant, was responsible for operating radar stations, guiding planes back after missions(homing pilots), and providing communications during flights over France and Germany. He commented in his last days there were times he did not think he would live 20 more minutes. One of these times was while supporting a USAF bombing mission over Munich in July, 1944. Mr. Brinker took part in the following battles and campaigns: Air Offensive Europe, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland Ardennes, and Central Europe. He was awarded six bronze stars.
Friends and family remember Mr. Brinker’s recounting stories of his life in the depression, wartime Britain and his Air Force experiences.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico, specifically for veterans with post traumatic stress disorder, c/o Arnold Funeral Home 425 S. Jefferson Mexico, MO 65265
