Donald Ament was born on March 9, 1929 in Johnstown, PA and passed away in Temple, Texas on September 12, 2012, at the age of 83.
Don proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting at the age of 15. He served for more than twenty years, and retired with the rank of Sergeant First Class. His service included World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. He was not one to talk of his medals. When asked, he would say, "oh I had numerous medals, awards and yada, yada, yada."
Don was the past Post Commander of VFW 3892 Harker Heights and Past District 14 Commander of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter S W Labombard 29.
Don was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Don and his dearly beloved wife, Mary Francis Ruth, raised four children together. She passed away November 22, 2009 at the age of 81. She is buried at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.
A funeral service was held on September 17 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas. Present were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance of the funeral home.
After the service, the Riders led the funeral procession to nearby Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. After the flag draped casket was moved from the hearse to the committal shelter, the Riders formed a line of American flags around the shelter during the final prayers and military honors.
As the cemetery bell tower rang twelve bells, for 12 noon, the Chaplain of the VFW addressed the gathered family and friends and told them of having worked with Don at the VFW. He read from the bible, James Chapter 2, verses 14-16. He led the family in The Lord's Prayer and read the VFW committal prayer.
Full military honors were rendered by the Army Honor Guard. A detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country. The Army bugler played taps.
The flag that covered the casket was folded into a tight triangle, three expended cartridges tucked into its folds, and presented to Don's son on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Don's honorable and faithful service.
SFC Donald Ament was laid to rest, next to his loving wife, on the sloping hillside of the cemetery, as the American flag flew at half-staff in his honor at the top of the hill.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, three daughters, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous 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 Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information and photograph.
No comments:
Post a Comment