Allen Clark Thibedeau

MSGT, United States Air Force, Korean and Viet Nam War Veteran, Retired

Allen Clark Thibedeau born in May of 1932, was the only child of the late Ernest and Ethel Thibedeau of Attleboro, Massachusetts. He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Maria Luisa, and his best companion, his beloved white cat “Big Boy.”

Affectionately known to friends as Tibb, he often talked of the wonderful childhood his parents had given him. He loved saying his mother was a beautiful woman of Swedish descent and that his father, after working a full time job during the day, would spend his evenings performing as a jazz musician.

During his high school years he played a variety of sports and loved baseball. His favorite team was the Boston Red Sox and celebrated when they won the World Series.

He graduated high school in June, 1950 and, on the 22nd of that month he enlisted in the United States Navy. Three days later the Korean War began.

Tibb served four years, with 18 months aboard the USS Vesuvius AE-15 delivering armaments to South Korea.

He returned to civilian life using his Navy experience in the employ of an armaments manufacturer. His love for adventure led him in 1956 to enlist in the United States Air Force.

He trained as a weatherman and was stationed at the Royal Air Force Wattisham Airfield in Ipswich, Sussex, England. He enjoyed being stationed in England and would return for several visits to Ipswich and Wattisham Airfield in his later years. While stationed in England he developed a passion for English football that continued all his life.

His next tour took him to Madrid, Spain, where he met his first wife, Maria Luisa. He was stationed in Madrid for three years.

He returned to the States and was assigned to Guam during the VietNam War as a weather observer. He flew in WC130, The Weather Reconnaissance Group of Typhon Chaser/Hurricane Hunters. He was so proud of the work done by his group that at the age of 75 he had the Flying Buzzard tattooed on his arm.

He retired from the United States Air Force in 1974, at the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, a component of the 403rd Wing located at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi; a one-of-a-kind organization.

Tibb was proud to be a Veteran of the United States Military.

He returned to his home in Massachusetts but decided sunnier weather was a better choice and moved to Orlando. Tibb had a thirst for knowledge. He was never scared to take on new opportunities and did everything with honesty and integrity. Upon moving to Orlando, he returned to school receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.

In 1980 he was hired as an Orange County Corrections Officer and in 1985 he was promoted to Lieutenant. Tibb had very strong values and was well-liked among his colleagues. The many messages received from colleagues at his passing reiterate Tibb always made time to help others.

In addition, as an expert in his field of work at Corrections, he was an instructor at the Valencia Campus Criminal Justice Institute.

Tibb enjoyed his work as a Corrections Officer, where he and his wife Charlene met, fell in love, and married.

When he reached 65 years of age Tibb retired from Orange County Corrections. He continued to teach at Valencia’s Criminal Justice Institute while volunteering for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office as a Lieutenant in Parking Enforcement. He worked three days a week for ten more years.

Tibb’s definition of retirement was to find a new job. So this time he put on another uniform and joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars as an Honor Guard for ten years. It could be said he was most comfortable as a man dressed in a white shirt uniform.

When he finally retired completely, he and his wife Charlene vacationed many times to Westhorpe, Finningham, and Ipswich, England where he made many wonderful friends. They too, have remembered Tibb, sending wonderful messages of love and support to Charlene. While in England Tibb once again attended English football matches as he had done in the early 1960's.

The highlight for Tibb on his last trip to England was when his friend, author/columnist Michael Thornton arranged a morning tea and late supper with the actress Jean Kent who lived in Westhorpe at the time. Tibb, as a service man of the 1950’s, had idolized pin-up star Jean Kent and was absolutely smitten to personally meet her.

As a footnote, Tibb showed he still had spunk. At the age of 75 and again at 80 he went skydiving.

Tibb remarked many times that he felt grateful to have had such a wonderful life.

Tibb is survived and missed by his loving wife, Charlene (Dean-Clouchete) and his step-son Casey Clouchete, Casey’s wife Suzanne, and their daughters Cayla and Chloe.

His memory will be cherished by his family, his many friends, and his numerous colleagues.

Tibb’s wife, Charlene, wishes to express a heartfelt thanks to the Orange County Firefighters and Paramedics who came to the house many times this past year to help Tibb. They were her angels.

SERVICE - CELEBRATION OF LIFE UPDATE

We have selected Sunday, March 5th at 2pm to honor him.

The celebration will be held at the VFW Post 4287 located at 3500 South Goldenrod Road in Orlando.

His final resting place will be held on a later date at the National Cemetery in Mims, Florida.

In late February I will be posting more information and requesting RSVP’S for both events.