SSG Marcus Vea, United States Army, Ret.

Marcus Vea was born June 22, 1954 in Watsonville, California and passed away November 27, 2011, at the age of 57, at Fort Hood, Texas.

Marcus proudly served his country in the United States Army for more then twenty years and retired in May 1994. At the time of his death he worked for Northrup Grumman.

A memorial service was held December 5, 2011 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Temple, 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 service the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.

At the cemetery, the Riders formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter as the United States Army Catholic Chaplain performed the rite of committal.

The United States Army Honor Guard rendered full military honors. The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country. The Army bugler played taps.

The Honor Guard carefully unfolded the American flag that had rested against the urn, and refolded it into the traditional triangle. The folded flag was passed to a Non-Commissioned Officer who presented it to Marcus' family on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his honorable and faithful service.

The urn containing the cremains of SSG Marcus Vea was then sealed into a niche of the columbarium wall, as his family and friends gathered 'round.

The American flag at the top of the hill above was flying at half-staff in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are a son, his mother, six sisters, two grand-children and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.









With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.