Herbert Thomas Mulder, Jr, 88, a former World War II Glider Pilot, took his final flight on Thursday morning, July 23, 2009, at his home in Beaumont. A native of Beaumont, born on February 27, 1921, he was the son of Herbert T. and Annie Colicia Mulder. A graduate of Beaumont High School and South Park Jr. College, he was an employee of Magnolia Oil Company/Mobil Oil Refinery, like his father before him. He retired in 1981 after forty-one years of service.
As a World War II Glider Pilot he participated in the D-Day liberation of Europe in June, 1944, and three other European Glider campaigns. He was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart with two Oak Clusters, seven Battle Stars, The Bronze Arrowhead, and The Orange Lanyard from the country of Holland, along with a number of Theatre Ribbons for his service to his country. He retired from active duty in 1945 and went on to serve in the Air Force Reserve for thirty-six years, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on February 27, 1981.
Herb was a proud and active member of the Silent Wings Museum in Lubbock, where many of the items he treasured from his service in World War II have been donated by Herb and his family. He was also a part-time resident of Pagosa Springs, Colorado where he and his wife, family and friends made many wonderful memories at their mountain cabin.
His proudest moments and memories were of serving his country as a Glider Pilot and the many accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Southeast Texas EMS for his dialysis transportation, Physicians Link Home Care employees Charlotte, Rosie, and their physical therapists, and the nursing staff and Physical Therapists at the Clairmont Rehabilitation Center.
We, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren would like to thank him for our lives, his sense of humor, the twinkle in his green eyes, his warm and giving heart, his loyalty to our country and his wisdom. We will miss you Daddy/Pap/Bub, more than you will know.
He was preceded in passing by his wife of sixty-one years, Juno Brooke Mulder in 2007. He is survived by his four children, Juno Bishop of Lubbock, Janet Ellender and husband Mike of Beaumont, Rebecca Withers of Beaumont, with whom he made his home, and Herbert Thomas (Tom) Mulder III and wife Teresa of Richmond. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Tracey Strickland, Stephanie Comeaux, David (Bubba) Bishop Jr, Amy Moore, Kristi Bishop, Catherine Hillin, Matthew Withers, Andrew Mulder and Allen Mulder; five great grandchildren; his sister, Jeanette Greer; and numerous cousins and dear friends.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 26, 2009, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont, with Military Honors to follow at the Mulder family plot in Magnolia Cemetery. Father Michael Jamail of St. Anne Catholic Church will be officiating. A gathering of his family and friends will be Saturday, July 25, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the mortuary. Serving as pallbearers will be, David Bishop Jr., Matthew Withers, Andrew Mulder, Allen Mulder, Roy Comeaux III, Lee Comeaux and Bose Hillin. Honorary pallbearers will be, Wayne Strickland, Mike Moore; good friends, Douglas Canant and Ray Hargroder; Allen Todd, Doug Flynn, Otto Frank, and the rest of the surviving World War II Glider Pilots.
He is now gliding high with the angels.
