Raymond L. Pounds, 82, of 149 Smithfield Street, Canonsburg, died at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, 1998, in Washington Hospital. He spent most of his life in Canonsburg and attended school in Burgettstown and Canonsburg. After working for eight years in local coal mines, he enlisted in the Air Force in 1942, where he was a first lieutenant heavy bomber pilot. His B-24 Bomber was hit by enemy fire, caught fire and exploded during a bombing run. After parachuting, he was captured and was a German P.O.W. for 11 months. Upon release he was awarded several medals, including a purple heart. Mr. Pounds, prior to his retirement in 1978, was employed by the Canonsburg office of the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier for 341/2 years. He was also a drummer for the Air Force P.O.W. Band. He played with the Lee Barrett Orchestra as the original drummer, and the Johnny Cimino Orchestra, Bobby Vinton Orchestra, Art Hannen Big Band and various other combos. He was also a part-time bus driver for Canon-McMillan School District for eight years. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 863 of Canonsburg and the American Legion of Washington. In 1946 he married Dorothy Strehar Pounds, who died February 28, 1994. He later married Mary Ellen Hanley, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, David Pounds of Apple Valley, Minn., and James Pounds of Meadow Lands; a sister, Marie Imperatore of Canonsburg; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are a son, Ray Pounds; two brothers, William and Edward Pounds; and a sister, Violet Moran. Copyright ©1998 Observer Publishing Co.Last updated Thursday, April 23, 1998Raymond L. Pounds
B-24 bomber pilot was German P.O.W. in WWII
Mr. Pounds was born October 16, 1915, in McDonald, a son of Edward and Emma Saintenoy Pounds.