Donald William Bell, United States Army Veteran

Donald William Bell was born on August 21, 1940 at Detroit, Michigan and died on April 19, 2010 in an accident which, tragically, cut short his life.  He had just bought a new Honda motorcycle and was riding it home when he hit a patch of gravel on the roadway, and lost control.  He was 69 at the time of his passing and a resident of Copperas Cove, Texas.

Donald proudly served his country in the United States Army for  seven years and attained the rank of Specialist.

At the time of his death he was a truck driver for Schneider and was a Baptist by faith.

Funeral services were held on April 23 in Copperas Cove.  Present were Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags to welcome the arriving family and friends.  The Riders then escorted  the hearse to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas for the rendering of military honors and interment.

At the cemetery, the Riders formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter as final prayers were said by a Baptist minister.  A United States Army Honor Guard rendered  military honors.  The Army bugler played taps,  the Honor Guard folded the flag that had draped the coffin into the traditional triangle, and presented it to the family on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army.

The services concluded with the Patriot Guard Riders bagpiper playing the mournful tune, “Amazing Grace.”

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.

And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.

His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Donald William Bell was  laid to rest on the gentle, western slope of the cemetery, overlooking the Texas hill country, as the American flag flew at half-staff at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are two daughters, two sisters, three brothers and many other dear family and friends.


With thanks to Sheppard Funeral Home for biographical information.

SFC Richard D. Krieger, United States Army, Retired

 



Richard D. Krieger was born November 8, 1942 in Michigan and passed away on April 16, 2010 in Killeen, Texas, his life cut short by cancer.

Richard proudly served his country for 25 years, nine months, in the United States Army.  His service included a tour of duty in Korea and two tours of duty in Vietnam.  He retired with the rank of Sergeant First Class.

He then worked for the Sheraton Plaza Hotel, Bell Haven Nursing Home and Botanical Management until his final retirement.

A silent vigil was held for SFC Krieger on April 19 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove, Texas.  Present were Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.

On April 20, the Patriot Guard Riders rode in the funeral procession  to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen for final interment and military honors.

At the cemetery the Riders formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter as  final prayers and remarks were made by a US Army Chaplain.  The Chaplain concluded the service with an A Capella solo of “Glorious Day”. 

The Army honor guard then rendered full military honors.  A five rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, signifying Duty, Honor and Country.  Taps was played, and the flag that had covered the coffin was folded into the traditional  triangle and presented to his wife on behalf of  a grateful nation and the United States Army.

SFC Krieger was then laid to rest on a bright, sunny day, on the upper plain of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, on the hill above.

In the words of the Chaplain:

“Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God of his great mercy to take unto himself the soul of our dear brother here departed, we therefore commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, that it may be like unto his glorious body, according to the mighty working, whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself.”

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 45 years, Rita, a daughter, a granddaughter and a host of other loving family and friends.

 Glorious Day

 One day when heaven
Is filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to
Be born of a virgin
He dwelt among men, my example is He

[Chorus:]

Living He loved me
Dying He saved me
Buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified
Freely forever
One day He's coming
Oh, Glorious Day
Oh, Glorious Day

With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.

Norris Robert Thomas, Jr., United States Air Force Veteran

Norris Robert Thomas, Jr. was born on September 12, 1945 in Dallas, Texas and passed away on April 6, 2010 in Austin, Texas at the age of 64.

Norris proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged from that service in 1981, having achieved the rank of Tech. Sergeant.

At the time of his death, he served as the Pastor of the Greater Solid Rock Christian Fellowship in Austin. 

Funeral services were held on April 17 at St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Austin.  On hand to honor this veteran were Patriot Guard Riders from the Austin and Centex regions.  A line of American flags was formed at the entrance to the church to welcome the arriving family and friends.

Final interment services, with military honors, were conducted on April 19 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  Present were Patriot Guard Riders who formed a flag line along the roadway leading to the committal shelter.  As final prayers were said, the Riders moved the flag line to surround the entrance to the shelter.

An Air Force honor guard conducted military honors.  A bugler played taps, and the American flag that had draped the coffin was folded into a tight triangle and presented to his beloved wife, Ethel, on behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, for his faithful and dedicated service.

Norris Robert Thomas, Jr. was then laid to rest on the upper plain of the cemetery as the flag at the top of the hill flew at half-staff in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, his many dear family members and to many friends to count.

Norris and Ethel believed and lived the teaching of Joshua 24:15. 

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve;  but as me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Cpl. Chad Adrian Hebert, United States Marine Corps Veteran

Chad Hebert was born June 6, 1971in Houston, Texas and died early Sunday morning, April 4, 2010, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, in Belton, Texas.

Chad was a 1989 graduate of Belton High School.  He served his country, proudly, in the United States Marine Corps following his graduation from high school.

After his military service, he worked in sales positions in various industries and was employed at the time of his death at Coca-Cola Enterprises.  He received numerous sales awards and recognitions during his career.

Chad’s greatest joys were his sons with whom he enjoyed hunting, fishing and hiking.  He loved to ride his Harley and wrote poetry for enjoyment and relaxation.

He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Belton.

On April 8, over three dozen motorcycle riders, representing several motorcycle clubs in Central Texas, participated in a Honor Ride to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  Present at the cemetery were Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter at the columbarium to welcome the arriving riders, Chad’s family and scores of friends and co-workers.

The Rite of Committal was celebrated, led by a Catholic Priest.  Military honors were rendered by a Marine Corps Honor Guard.  Taps was played by a Navy bugler while the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above.

The American flag was followed into a tight triangle and presented to Chad’s mother on behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps and a grateful nation as a symbol of our appreciation of Cpl. Hebert’s service to Country and Corps.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother and father, three sons, three brothers, a sister and his grandfathers.







With thanks to Dossman Funeral Home for biographical information.

SPC E. J. Johnston, United States Army National Guard

E. J. Johnston was born November 10, 1991 at Round Rock, Texas and passed away on March 25, 2010 at Austin, Texas.

E. J. attended Liberty Hill, Texas High School and was scheduled to graduate in May, 2010.  He enlisted in the U. S. Army National Guard at age 17 and dreamed of one day becoming a combat medic and a doctor.  He had completed his basic training and was awaiting assignment to Advanced Individual Training.  In the mean while, he was training at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas.

While a senior in high school, he was a member of the Honor Society, ran on the Cross-Country Track Team, was on the Tennis Team and participated in Track and Field.  He was active in a variety of academic activities and had received many awards and honors for excellence.

His mother took him to her native Philippines as a boy and he looked forward to returning there, someday, to help the needy.

On March 13, E. J. had spent the day in training at Camp Mabry and was headed home, to Liberty Hill, when he was involved in a horrific traffic collision which left him comatose with a severe head injury.  He was in the intensive care unit at Breckenridge Hospital in Austin until he passed away on March 25 with his family at bedside.

E.J. was an organ donor and his heart has provided life to another.

Funeral Mass was held on March 31 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, in Cedar Park, Texas, which he had attended regularly, at 10:30 AM.  Present to honor this fallen soldier were Patriot Guard Riders from all over central Texas.  They formed lines of American flags to welcome the continual flow of arriving family, classmates and fellow soldiers.  At ten minutes prior to the commencement of Mass, the silver casket, draped with an American flag, was removed from the hearse and carried into the church by an Army Honor Guard of six soldiers.  The Patriot Guard Riders formed a pathway of American flags through which the casket was carried.

At the appointed time for Mass, the church bell heralded the commencement of the service.

At the conclusion of the one hour Mass, the casket was returned to the hearse by the Honor Guard, while the Riders stood at attention and saluted.

The Riders then lead the procession of scores of vehicles to the Liberty Hill Cemetery, just a few miles west of where E. J. attended high school.

The many grieving family, friends and soldiers huddled around the tent covered grave site as final prayers were said.  The priest led the gathering in the Lord’s Prayer. 

The citation awarding E. J. the Army Commendation Medal was read aloud.

Full military honors were rendered by the Army Honor Guard.  A rifle detail fired three volleys of fire representing Honor, Duty and Country.  The Army bugler played taps, as the family wept.  The flag which had covered the casket was folded into a tight triangle by two white gloved soldiers and presented  to E. J.’s mother by LTC Greg Chaney of the Texas Army National Guard.

To conclude the graveside services, there was a ceremonial release of White Doves.  A single white dove was held in the hands of the family and  released into the clear blue sky.  This dove represented E. J.'s spirit.  It was followed by the release of three additional doves from a white chapel, representing The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

As the doves circled the sky, they were joined by the spirit dove and began their spiritual flight home.

SPC E. J. Johnston was then laid to rest under a live oak tree in the Texas Hill Country.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother and father, a brother, his maternal grandmother, his girlfriend, with whom he had made plans for the future,  and many other loving family and friends.  He is survived by a large and loving family in the United States and the Philippines. 






With thanks to the Austin American-Statesman, and Radio Free Liberty Hill for biographical information.


http://www.radiofreelibertyhill.com/

http://www.lonestardoves.com/events.htm