Seth Bakes

Seth Bakes, 86, Decorated Veteran; Worked at Burlington Industries

Seth Bakes, 86, died Friday, August 13, 2010, at the home of his daughter in Belle Mead, N.J.

Born in Atlantic City in 1923, Mr. Bakes was the son of the late Joseph and Violet Bakes. Growing up in Atlantic City, he spent a good deal of time at the James Salt Water Taffy store on the boardwalk at Kentucky Avenue, which was managed by his mother for more than 25 years.

A graduate of Mainland High School in Pleasantville, N.J and Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, Mr. Bakes had a long and successful career with Burlington Industries in New York City. While at Ursinus, Mr. Bakes met the love of his life, Catharine Floy Lewis. They were wed in 1949, and settled in Westfield, where they raised their four children.

During World War II, Mr. Bakes served as captain in the United States Army Air Force, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in March 1945 for his exceptional bravery, courageous leadership and devotion to duty as pilot of his B-24 bomber during a bombing mission of enemy oil installations in Austria. Mr. Bakes completed over 29 combat sorties in his career in the 15th Air Force, 757th Bombardment Squadron, 459th Bombardment Group.

Mr. Bakes was predeceased by his wife. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Marilyn and Martin Neat of Salisbury, Md., Seth and Ginger Bakes of Philadelphia, Pa., Matt and Beth Bakes of Barto, Pa., and Stephen and Margaret Bakes Davis of Belle Mead. He also survived by eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

2nd Lt Seth Bakes was assigned to the 459th BG 757th Squadron.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Pilot.

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