George L. Gladden

George Lester Gladden, Clayton, 94, passed away March 21, 2017. He was born in Bridgeport, IN to the late Harry and Edna Gladden and raised on a farm nearby. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II on Saipan in the Pacific Theater, and was a radar operator on a B-29 bomber. He was on the first raid on November 24, 1944 over Tokyo, Japan and flew 35 combat missions. There is a brief mention in the book “Flyboys” by James Bradley of the experience. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. He farmed near Clayton, and served for 35 years on the Hendricks County Soil and Water Conservation District, including ten years as chairman. In 1995 he was awarded the Master Farmer conservationist of the year. He was a superintendent and trustee at the Plainfield Friends Meeting for many years. He was married to Mary Sayre from West Virginia for 62 years who preceded him in death. George was preceded in death by a brother, Lindy Gladden. Funeral services will be Monday, March 27 at 10:30 am in Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, where friends may call on Sunday, March 26, from 2:00 - 6:00 pm. Burial with full military honors will be in Shiloh Cemetery, Avon, IN. He is survived by three children, Vivian, Jim and John Gladden and two brothers Morey and Frank Gladden. Donations may be made to the Indy Honor Flight (PO Box 10, Plainfield, IN 46168 317-559-1600).