1918 – 2004

TILTON, N.H. – Kenneth E. Wakefield, 86, of Derry, N.H., died Feb. 19, at the NH Veterans Home.

Born in Swanton, Vt., Feb. 9, 1918, he attended Concord NH High School and Edward Little High School of Auburn. He resided for many years in Londonderry.

At age 17, he became the youngest person at the time to obtain a flight instructor’s license and trained British military students to fly. During World War II, he flew C-46 and C-47 supply planes for the Air Force Air Transport Command in the China, Burma, India theatre of war and attained rank of captain. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross after 600 hours of operational flight over “The Hump,” recognized at the time as the world’s toughest flying route through the peaks of the Himalayan Mountains and the main delivery route of military supplies for the allied forces fighting in China.

After separation from the service, he worked at Standard Sash and Door in Derry and later at Londonderry Country Club. He enjoyed bowling and golfing.

Survivors include his wife, Lorrine of Manchester, N.H.; daughters, Mrs. Philip (Karen) Clay of Keene, N.H., Kristin Roach of Manchester, N.H., Mrs. Richard (Wendy) Ferrin of Salem, W.Va., and Sydney Wakefield of Derry, N.H.; a son, LTC Scott Wakefield of Manchester, N.H.; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

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