SFC Shawn M. Coolidge, United States Army

Shawn Coolidge was born December 17, 1970 in New York, New York. He died on February 17, 2011, at the age of 40, at his home in Killeen, Texas, a casualty of the PTSD with which he battled for years.

Shawn graduated from Lake Placid High School in 1989 and entered into active service with the United States Army in June, 1991 as a M1 armor crewman. At the time of his death he was a Sergeant First Class, assigned to the United States Army Operational Test Command at Fort Hood, Texas.

Shawn’s service included tours of duty in Iraq from November 2005 to November 2006 and from March 2008 to March 2009.

His many military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, five Army Commendation medals and seven Army Achievement Medals. Among his assignments was as a Drill Sergeant.

A Memorial Service was held on February 25 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas. Present were the Patriot Guard Riders to form a line of American flags around the memorial shelter.

The service commenced with Army Chaplain Captain Rittmaster telling Chuck Norris jokes, as Shawn was a great fan of Chuck Norris jokes. One such joke: Chuck Norris doesn’t have to reset his clock in the spring and fall, because the sun rises and sets in Chuck Norris.

Captain Rittmaster then spoke of Shawn’s pain and suffering, and of how he could no longer live with it.

Captain Rittmaster led the gathered family, friends and fellow soldiers in the recitation of the 23rd Psalms. He concluded the service with: “Unto Almighty God we commend the soul of our brother departed, and we commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection unto eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The United States Army Honor Guard then rendered full military honors. The detail of seven rifles standing in the dappled shade of live oak trees, fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country. The Army bugler, standing on the hill above, played taps, as all present stood at attention.

Six members of the Honor Guard then carefully unfolded the American flag that had rested against Shawn’s Urn, and refolded it into the traditional triangle, as is the custom when there is no coffin for the flag to drape.

The folded flag was then presented to an Army Staff Sergeant, who then passed it to Major General Genaro Dellarocco, Commanding General of the Army Test and Evaluation Command.

General Dellarocco presented the flag to Shawn’s dear wife, Jennifer, on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation in thanks for Shawn’s many years of dedicated service to his country.

General Dellarocco also presented flags to Shawn’s son, Jarred, daughter, Makensee and to Shawn’s mother.

SFC Shawn M. Coolidge was then laid to rest in a special area at the base of the hill, as the American flag flew at half-staff above in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife and children, his parents, many other family and friends, and multitudes of fellow soldiers.

The family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarrier.org.


“Always and everywhere, we live with personal remembrances of devoted loved ones and, under God, render thanks and Praise to Him for the promise of everlasting life. This truth is perceived by us on a day to day basis as we note the sacrificial acts and personal commitment of our Veterans. Their upholding of such essential values as liberty and justice, individual dignity and national righteousness, ennobles the life of each of us. Through their example we move toward eternity with faith, charity, courage and hope.

The line of life between birth and immortality is one of no certain length. In considering this, as we bid farewell to this honored, respected Veteran, may we be ever more thoughtful, grateful and humble before our Creator as we all await our heavenly reunion.”
Author unknown




With thanks to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home and the United States Army for biographical information.

LTC Hubert Childress, United States Army, Ret.

Hubert Childress was born August 26, 1929 in Coleman, Texas and passed away on February 12, 2011, at the age of 81, in Temple, Texas.

Hubert was a graduate of Prairie View A&M in Prairie View, Texas. He was commissioned an Officer in the United States Army in 1952.

Hubert retired from the Army in 1972 after more than twenty years of service, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His service included the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. His many military decorations include the Legion of Merit, multiple awards of the Army Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

After retirement, Hubert worked for the Bell County, Texas Adult Probation Department and retired from there in 1995. His many religious activities include serving his church as the Chairman of the Deacons, Treasurer, and Sunday school teacher. He was a member of Gideon’s Killeen Camp and was a past member of the Kiwanis Club. He enjoyed bowling in the Hallmark and Fort Hood Bowling Leagues.

Funeral services were held on February 18 at the Pershing Park Baptist Church in Killeen, Texas. Present were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the family and friends as they arrived for the services. The service included a congregational singing of “Just A Closer Walk With Thee.”

After the service, the Riders, on an even dozen motorcycles, led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen. The procession was greeted there with fifty American flags blowing in the Texas wind.

The United States Army Honor Guard moved the flag draped casket from the coach into the committal shelter. The Riders then formed a line of American flags along the entrance to the shelter.

Pastor Joda Weston offered final prayers, and full military honors were rendered by the Honor Guard.

The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country. The Army bugler played taps. The Honor Guard then folded the American flag that covered the silver casket into the traditional triangle and presented it to Andrewetta, Hubert’s dear wife of 57 years, on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation, as thanks for his many years of dedicated service.

Hubert was then laid to rest on the plain of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, one son, a daughter, two brothers, three sisters, one granddaughter, two great-grandchildren and numerous other dear family, friends and church family.

A Note from Heaven

If I could write from Heaven, this is what I’d say,
Please don’t miss me too much,
I’m with you throughout your day.
You may not see or hear me, but if you’re quiet and still,
You may just feel my presence;
Because, in heaven there is free will.
Don’t worry for the day, it will come and go as planned,
Enjoy each moment you are given,
keep worry from your hand.
Keep sorrow to a minimum; for if heaven you could see,
You’d know I’m safe and happy,

I did not cease to be. Moments in time are brief,
Until we’ll be together again,
as Eternity lasts forever,
our lives, they have no end.

With thanks to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information.

MSG I.W. McFarland, United States Army, Ret.

I.W. McFarland was born October 8, 1940 at Willisburg, Pennsylvania, and passed away February 14, 2011 at Killeen, Texas at the age of 70.

I.W. served his country in the United States Army for over 27 years, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. His service include service in the Vietnam War and as a Criminal Investigations Division agent. His many military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and multiple awards of the Army Commendation Medal.

After retiring from the Army, I.W. worked for 22 years in the Military Police Investigations Division. I.W. was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved his dogs.

Funeral services were held on February 17 at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends. After the services, the Riders led the procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery for interment with full military honors.

The flag draped casket was moved from the funeral coach to the committal shelter by six soldiers of the United States Army Honor Guard. The Patriot Guard Riders then formed a line of American flags along the front of the shelter.

Final prayers were offered by Captain Curtis Hulshizer of the United States Army Chaplain Corps.

Full military honors were rendered by the Army Honor Guard. The six rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country. The Army bugler played taps. The American flag that draped the mahogany casket was folded into a perfect triangle and presented to I.W.’s wife, Ann, on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation, as thanks for I.W.’s many years of faithful service to his country.

I.W. was then laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery, as the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, on the hill above.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, two sons, two grandsons, and many other dear family, friends and fellow soldiers.


With thanks to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information.

J. T. Stiles, United States Navy Veteran

J. T. Stiles was born May 24, 1930 in Maxdale, Texas, and named Jackson Thomas Stiles by his parents Arthur and Lillie Belle. He passed away on February 13, 2011, at the age of 80, at his residence in Briggs, Texas, just 14 miles from his birth place.

J.T. proudly served his country in the United States Navy and served in World War II. He was retired from civil service at Fort Hood, Texas and was a long time rancher in Burnet County, Texas.

A graveside memorial service was held on February 15 at the Mount Moriah Cemetery in Briggs. The service could fairly be described as a “cowboy” service, as the preferred attire for the men was cowboy hats and boots, and denim jeans.

In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders, who formed a line of American flags alone the side of the grave-site, to honor yet another fallen veteran.

The Reverend Jackie Mabe presided over the service and spoke of J.T.’s life. He read passages from the bible, John 14:1 and the 23rd Psalm, and offered the final prayers.

J.T.’s younger daughter told of how her father had raised his daughters as a single parent, passed on to them his values, and was always there for them.

A solo guitarist performed “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” and “The Old Rugged Cross”.

The services concluded with the presentation of an American flag, folded into the traditional triangle, to J.T.’s older daughter, on behalf of the United States Navy and a grateful nation, as thanks for his years of service.

J.T. was then laid to rest in the Stiles family plot. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Debbie and Diane, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his brother, two sisters and numerous nieces, nephews and close friends.

The Memory of Me

I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow
of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly
down the ways, of happy times,
and laughing times,
and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve
to dry before the sun
of happy memories I leave
when life is done.

With thanks to the Austin American-Statesman for biographical information.

Sergeant Major Eileen Berg, USA, Ret.

Eileen Berg was born July 22, 1948 at Uppertract, West Virginia and passed away on February 9, 2011 in Georgetown, Texas at the age of 62.

Eileen served her country for more than 21 years in the United States Army and retired with the rank of Sergeant Major.

Funeral services were held on February 14 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Chapel in Killeen, Texas. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.

The Riders then led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery where the family and friends were welcomed by fifty American flags blowing briskly in the Texas wind.

The United States Army Honor Guard moved the flag-draped casket from the hearse to the committal shelter. Captain Hulshinzer of the United States Army Chaplain Corps led the congregated family and friends in prayer, as the Patriot Guard Riders formed a line of American flags around the shelter.

The Honor Guard then rendered full military honors. The five rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Honor, Duty and Country. The Army bugler played taps. The American flag that covered the metallic pink coffin was folded into the traditional triangle and presented to Eileen’s family on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation in thanks for her many years of service.

Eileen Berg was then laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above.

Left to cherish her memory are her eight sisters, numerous nieces and nephews, and many other dear family and friends.

God Bless America

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free.
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America,
Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above,
From the mountains to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam.
God bless America,
My home sweet home.

Irving Berlin

With thanks to Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information

CWO4 Larry Don Patton, USA, Ret.

Larry Don Patton was born November 3, 1946 in Brownfield, Texas and passed away on February 3, 2011, at the age of 64, at Light House Hospice in Round Rock, Texas.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army for over twenty years, retiring with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. He was a pilot who flew cobras, hueys and other helicopters. Larry was a “check” pilot, one who certifies other pilots to fly a particular aircraft. Larry was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Larry loved nature, particular fishing and birds. He loved song birds, to hand-feed Blue Birds, and his Purple Martins and Painted Buntings. He also enjoyed fishing trips with his son, Larry II.

Funeral services were held February 8 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.

After the services, the Riders led the funeral procession to historic Maxdale Cemetery, south of Killeen. At the cemetery was the United States Army Honor Guard. Six members of the Guard removed the flag covered casket from the hearse and carried it, slowly, to the burial site, as the Patriot Guard Riders formed a line of American flags along the east side of the site.

After final prayers were said, the Honor Guard performed full military honors. The seven rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Honor, Duty and Country. The Army bugler played taps. The American flag that covered the casket was carefully folded into the traditional triangle, and presented to Larry’s dear wife, Lori, on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation, in thanks for his many years of dedicated service.

Larry Don Patton was then laid to rest next to his dear mother, Evelyn Patton. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, his son, his daughter, his step-son, five grand children, and many other dear family, friends and fellow veterans.

With thanks to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information.