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JUNE
COURSON LILES – 86 -
WINTER HAVEN - June C. Lilies, 86,
died Saturday, July 3, 2010 from complications of Alzheimer's.
June Courson Liles, the daughter of Russell and Sally Courson, was born and raised in Winter Haven. Following her graduation as salutatorian for the class of 1941, June and 2 other Winter Haven girls formed a trio called The Melody Maids and went to New York, where they sang with 2 orchestras and appeared with the Andrews Sisters on the Steel Pier. When war broke out, the trio changed their name to The Three Salutes. After she returned to Winter Haven, June met and married Lt. Colonel Robert Liles, a fighter pilot stationed at Bartow, who had recently returned from the China, Burma, India theater in World War II. She was a loving mother and wife, and, as an Air Force officer's wife, she served her country as well. June is survived by her beloved husband Bob, her daughters Barbara Mansfield and Carol Ostrowski, her son in law Jerry Ostrowski, granddaughters, Kate and Alex Ostrowski, and her brother Russell Courson, Jr. June attended St. John's Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association , Cornerstone Hospice, St. John's United Methodist Church, or the Charity of One's Choice. Visitation Tues.,Service Wed., at,
Ott-Laughlin F.H., Winter Haven. - Ledger ,July 6, 2010
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COL. ROBERT LILES
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GAITHERSBURG, MD. - Col. Robert Liles, born in Webb City,
MO. on 6/13/20, and died in Gaithersburg, MD on 8/16/13 of heart
failure He was predeceased by his wife, June Courson Liles of
Winter Haven, whom he met while stationed at Bartow airfield.
Survivors include daughter Carol Ostrowski,
son-in-law Jerry, granddaughters Kate and Alex Ostrowski; daughter
Barbara, Kathy Bainbridge; sister Corinne Kleene, and numerous nieces
and nephews.
During WWII, Liles was a fighter pilot in China
with the Flying Tigers. He was a fighter ace with 5 victories,
2
"probables," and 2 damaged enemy planes. Liles stayed in the Air Force
for 30 years. When he retired, the couple returned to Winter Haven
and had many wonderful years with their friends there. After he retired
from the Air Force, he was director of safety for Jim Sweet with
Scotty's Hardware Stores. He enjoyed playing golf and poker with his
friends, and was an avid Gator fan. A funeral service will be held at
Joseph Gawler's and Sons, Inc. in Washington DC on Aug. 24.
Interment at Arlington
National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be
made to Disabled American Veterans. - Ledger,Friday, Aug.23, 2013
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