Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries..... Wilkes, Scott Benson "Scotty" June 23 2004
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
K Taylor bluewolf@onemain.com July 9, 2004, 1:50 am

The Bakersfield Californian 
Scott Benson Wilkes "Scotty"

Scott Benson Wilkes "Scotty" was born in Madera, California on October 12, 
1940, to J. Max and Hermina Benson Wilkes, and he passed away in Carins, 
Australia on June 23, 2004.

Scotty moved to Bakersfield with his family in 1947. He attended local schools 
graduating from East Bakersfield High School with his class of 58. After 
attending the University of Arizona and Fresno State, Scotty proudly enlisted 
in the U.S. Navy as a Flight Cadet. Scotty flew the last prop-driven attack 
aircraft the Navy had, the A-1 Skyraider, known to the Navy as the Spad, and 
was carrier qualified. He made two tours of Vietnam, flying more than 150 
sorties over enemy territory 1964-1966. Scotty was in his element! He excelled 
as a pilot bringing home to the USS Hancock and USS Bon Homme Richard, on 
three separate occasions, Spads, shot up so badly as to be considered no 
longer airworthy. He was awarded numerous air medals and the Distinguished 
Flying Cross. 

Scott was shot down over enemy territory parachuting into a tree, then 
discovered by enemy foot soldiers who luckily wanted only his parachute. His 
luck continued as a Huey Rescue Helicopter was detoured from its original 
mission to pick him up. Scotty set, and still holds, the worlds record for the 
200 yard rice paddy in full flight suit dash to reach the Huey. He was very 
proud of his Navy service and held his fellow military men and women in the 
highest regard, always.

After more than 5 years in the Navy, Scotty joined Continental Airlines flying 
with them for 15 years. When Continental tried to break the pilots union he 
refused to cross the picket line and left their employ never to pilot an 
aircraft again. He flew frequently to Australia and made Sydney his home in 
1983. Scotty opened the first of two restaurants in Sydney. He operated them 
for several years, but the recession Down Under hurt the business badly. He 
dabbled in real estate for several years and finally moved to Carins in 1994. 
Scotty loved the people, the warm climate, the cost of living, and the Yaught 
Club. He returned to the States almost annually visiting friends in the 
Bakersfield area and elsewhere.

Scotty is survived by his sons, Scott and Matthew; his brother, Jeff of San 
Jose; and two cousins, Mikell Wrightson and Lynn Sperry and numerous good 
friends. Private services to be held in Carins and he will be laid to rest in 
Mariposa, CA. Lt. Scott B. Wilkes befriended many, angered some, loved more, 
and will be missed by many.

Gone and forgotten.NEVER! 


Additional Comments:
Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased.

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