Windferd Darlus Dover entered Heaven's gates on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at the age of 98. The son of Archie E. and Era (Waddle) Dover, Windferd was born on December 17, 1924, in Winthrop, Arkansas. While attending Foster High School, Windferd was called to honorably and bravely serve his country and on April 4, 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces 8th AAF bomber group battalion to be a Liberator gunner on the Heavy B-24 Bomber. In June 1944, Windferd was sent overseas and made 19 missions over Germany. On January 1st, 1945, during his 19th mission over Germany, Windferd was wounded in action and spent time recuperating on European hospitals before being transferred back to USA hospitals. Windferd was honorably discharged from military service on March 13, 1946, having received the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, a Ribbon with two Bronze Battle Stars, and a Purple Heart. After his honorable discharge from active duty, Windferd continued to serve his county by working in the civil service at Tinker Air Force Base where he worked as a Turret Specialist overhauling gun turrets on B-17, B-24, and B-52 Bombers. Throughout his career and dedicated service, Windferd was honored to receive 18 special awards as suggestion from the Commander of Tinker Air Force Base Gene Randolph. On May 26, 1982, Windferd retired from Tinker AFB after 37 years of dedicated service. Following his retirement, Windferd continued working by becoming a private home building contractor making show case homes for Southwest Home Building Construction Company in the Greenbrair Housing Additions. As well, Windferd also completed several Christmas lighting projects in the south OKC area for many years and was awarded several times for his animated scenes. He was also asked to decorate the Bricktown OKC area and the Haunted House buildings. All of his intricate lights and scenes brought tremendous enthusiasm and smiles to all spectators. Windferd married the love of his life, Tommy Jean Moore on November 25, 1946. This union of marriage was blessed with a son, Rick and a daughter, Darlus. The family was longtime members of the Southminster Presbyterian Church for many years.

He was preceded in death by his:

Parents;

Wife of 73 years, Tommy Jean (Moore) Dover, who passed away May 29, 2019

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his:

Son, Rick Dover and wife, Annette;

Daughter, Darlus Riedt;

Grandchildren: Rickey Paul Dover, Nikki Riedt, Brittany Stroud, and Emily Potts;

Great Grandsons: Jacob Dover, Landon, Chase, and Brenner;

Sister, Barbara Sue Smith;

Niece, Paige;

Sister-in-law, Yvonne Gamon;

As well as many beloved nieces and nephews.