Louis B Sykes

Louis Sykes     SYKES, Louis B. Of Tampa, formerly of Amsterdam, NY, died on Friday, May 29, 2009, at UCH Carrollwood after suffering complications from surgery. Mr. Sykes was born on Jan. 21, 1921, in Amsterdam, NY where he graduated from the Wilbur H. Lynch High School and where he spent his career working for Mohasco Industries. In early 1942, Lou joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he headed overseas and flew 40 missions out of North Africa and Sardinia in a B-26 Martin Maruader as a top-turret gunner. During his three and a half year service, Mr. Sykes received the Air Medal with 7 clusters, the good conduct medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal with 2 bronze stars and the WW II Victory Medal. He was married to Shirley Sanders of Amsterdam, NY on Jan. 20, 1945, and who passed away on June 6, 1988. He is survived by two sons, Jeffrey of Venice, and Brian of Tampa, along with their spouses; grandson, Jonathan of Parris Island, SC; a nephew, two nieces, and step grandchildren. His remains will be cremated and buried alongside his wife, Shirley, in the St. Mary's Cemetery, Ft. Johnson, NY. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Lou's name to the SORTIE Newsletter, a non-profit newsletter dealing with WW II and Korean War Air Force veterans. Donations can be sent to The SORTIE News Letter; Editor, Ted Baker; 453 Hamilton Ave. Almont, MI 48003. A Celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009, at Florida Mortuary-4601 N. Nebraska Ave. Tampa, FL 33603