Sharon Ann Dawson, United States Army Veteran

Sharon Dawson was born January 22, 1954 in Temple, Texas and passed away August 8, 2011, at the age of 57, at a Temple hospital.

Sharon attended the public schools of Temple and proudly served her country in the United States Army as a food service specialist and as an automatic data telecommunications operator. Her many military decorations include the Army Achievement Medal.

Funeral services were held on August 12 at the Branford Dawson Funeral Home in Temple. Interment services followed at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.

In attendance at the Cemetery were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a Honor Line along the front of the committal shelter. Fifty American flags, the United States Army flag and the Texas State flag all blew briskly in the hot Texas wind.

The family minister led the gathering in final prayers.

Two Patriot Guard Ride Captains folded the American flag that draped Sharon's coffin into the traditional triangle and presented it to Billy Joe, Sharon's dear husband of 29 years, on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation as thanks for her faithful service to her country.

Sharon Dawson was then laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above in her honor.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, a daughter, a step-daughter, a son, her sister and numerous other dear family and friends.

Only God Knows Why

God said you're getting weary
so he did what he thought best
He came and stood beside you
and whispered "come and rest"
You bade no one a last farewell
Not even a goodbye
You were gone before we knew it
And only God knows why.

With thanks to Temple Daily Times News and Kirk Family Funeral Homes for biographical information and additional photo.

Leonard Isaiah Kelley, United States Army Veteran

Leonard Kelley was born June 17, 1933 in Milano, Texas and passed away July 28, 2011, at the age of 78, in Temple, Texas.

Leonard proudly served his country in Korea in the United States Army.

After his military service, he held various positions in government, ending with employment at the Temple Post Office, from which he retired on October 2, 1992.

Leonard was active in the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher and Usher.

Funeral services were held on August 2 at the Branford/Dawson Funeral Home in Temple. 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 the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas, where the procession was greeted by fifty American flags blowing in the hot Texas wind.

The Riders formed a honor line along the front of the committal shelter, stood at attention, and saluted as the flag draped casket was carefully transferred from the hearse to the shelter.

Military honors were rendered by the Honor Guard of the United States Army. The bugler played taps. The flag that draped the casket was folded into a tight triangle, and presented to a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer. He presented the flag to Leonard’s dear wife of 56 years, Virginia, on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation, as thanks for Leonard’s faithful service to his country.

The gathered family and friends were led in final prayers by a Pastor of the Baptist Church.

Leonard Kelley was then laid to rest on the plain of the cemetery, as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, five sons, one daughter, a brother and a sister, ten grandchildren, twenty three great-grandchildren and many other dear family and friends.

Asleep

I’ve closed my eyes
And fallen asleep

And there’s no reason
For you all to weep;

This is a debt
We all must pay

You will see me again
Someday.

With thanks to Branford/Dawson for biographical information and additional photos.