Local World War II veteran found deceased. Fresno County Sheriff's deputies helped honor the man

Jan. 27—A World War II veteran who's been living in Fresno County passed away Thursday.

Fresno County Sheriff's deputies responded to a home checkup of a possible deceased person in the Wonder Valley (Sanger Area) and discovered 97-year-old Raymond McClure had died.

McClure served in the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel and was a bomber pilot during World War II.

In an effort to honor the WWII vet, deputies contacted members of Sanger VFW Post 7168 and organized an impromptu ceremony.

Ceremony participants Geary Baxter (U.S Army Chief Warrant Officer 2), Jason Ramirez (U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant), Clint Vance (U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class), Kim Pennington (U.S. Army Specialist), Joseph Chochrek (U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class), Vince Thomas (U.S. Army Private) and James Reesha (U.S.Marine Corps Private First Class) gathered at the Wonder Valley home and draped an American flag over McClure's body before he was transferred him into a transport vehicle.

According to a blogpost that honored military veterans around the central San Joaquin Valley, McClure flew more than 60 different aircraft in his aviation career. He was spotlighted on HometownHeroesRadio.com, which is hosted by Paul Loeffler, in June 2019.

This story was originally published January 27, 20225:46 PM.

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