First Sergeant John S. Lacny, Jr., United States Army

John Lacny was born in Hindsdale, Illinois on July 2, 1967 and passed away on February 17, 2011 at the age of 43, in San Angelo, Texas.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army for over twenty years. At the time of his death he was the First Sergeant for Alpha Company, 344th Military Intelligence Battalion at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas.

His long and varied army career included tours of duty in Iraq, Hawaii, Arizona, Washington, D.C. and England. He was a Russian linguist and had studied at the Defense Language Institute at Monterey, California, and at Leningrad University.

His numerous military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, multiple awards of the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.

A prayer service was held on February 27 at the Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home in Justice, Illinois for his family and friends in Illinois.

Texas services were held on March 2 at the Sheppard Funeral Home in Copperas Cove, Texas. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family, friends and John’s fellow soldiers.

The Riders then led the funeral procession to the Smith Cemetery at Kempner, Texas where they formed a line of American flags along the side of the burial site.

John’s flag draped casket was removed from the hearse and carried to the burial site by eight white-gloved Army soldiers. A Chaplain of the United States Army Chaplain Corps led the gathered family and friends in final prayers.

The United States Army Guard rendered full military honors. The detail of seven rifles fired three volleys of fire representing Duty, Honor and Country. The Army bugler played taps. The American flag that draped the silver casket was folded into a tight triangle by the Honor Guard. Three rifle cartridges were tucked into the fold of the flag, signifying Duty, Honor and Country. The flag was ceremoniously passed to Lt. Col. John J. Bonin, the Battalion Commander, who presented it to John’s parents on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation, as thanks for his many years of faithful service.

First Sergeant John S. Lacny, Jr. was then laid to rest next to his dearly beloved wife, Sharon, who passed away on November 26, 2008, at the age of 38. They had married On July 30, 1993 in Honolulu. Sharon was an Army veteran and was a Korean interpreter.

Left to cherish John’s memory are his parents, John and Delores Lacny, six siblings, numerous nieces and nephews and his many fellow soldiers of the United States Army.







With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald, the Temple Daily Telegram and the Chicago Sun-Times for biographical information.

CWO3 Timothy D. Brimer, United States Army Ret.

Interment services, with full military honors, were held on March 1, 2011 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas, for Chief Warrant Officer 3 Timothy D. Brimer. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars and retired from the United States Army after more than twenty years of honorable service to his country.

In attendance for the services were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags along the front of the committal shelter during the ceremony.

Captain Parks of the United States Army Chaplain Corps said the final prayers, recited the 23rd Psalms and concluded with:

“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.”

The Army detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country. The Army bugler then played taps.

The Army Honor Guard folded the American flag that draped the gun metal gray casket into the traditional triangle, and passed it ceremoniously to an Army Captain. He presented the flag to Timothy’s dear wife of fifty two years, Unja, on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation as thanks for Timothy’s many years of faithful service to his country.

CWO3 Timothy D. Brimer was then laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff at the top of the hill in his honor.


Left to cherish his memory are his wife and his son.

Larry Sullivan, United States Marine Corps Veteran

Larry Sullivan was born in Memphis, Tennessee on December 4, 1943 and passed away on February 23, 2011 in Pflugerville, Texas, with his family at his side.

Larry proudly served his country as a United States Marine from 1961 to 1965. He later worked for the Texas State Comptroller’s Office where he met his future wife.

He transferred to the Texas Alcohol Beverage Control office in 1972 and retired as the Chief of Enforcement in 1992. He also served as the Chief of Police for Austin Community College.

A Funeral Mass was performed on Tuesday, March 1 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Pflugerville. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders of the Austin Region who formed a line of American flags at the entrance of the church to welcome the arriving family and friends.

At the conclusion of the Mass, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas for interment. At the cemetery were Patriot Guard Riders of the Central Texas Region and fifty American flags blowing briskly in the wind, to greet the arriving funeral procession.

Larry’s flag draped coffin was moved from the hearse into the committal shelter by six pall bearers. The Patriot Guard Riders formed a line of American flags around the shelter as final prayers were offered by Deacon Gene Morse of St. Josephs, who led the gathering in the recitation of the 23rd Psalms.

Military Honors were rendered by an Honor Guard. Taps was played by a bugler for the United States Navy. The American flag that covered the mahogany coffin was folded into a tight triangle, by two Non-Commissioned Officers of the United States Marine Corps. The flag was then presented to Larry’s dear wife of 37 years, Janet, on behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps and a grateful nation as thanks for Larry’s years of faithful service.

Larry Sullivan was then laid to rest on the upper plain of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, a daughter, a son, two grandsons, two brothers, a sister, numerous other dear family and friends and his four-legged friends, Lucky, Stella and Scotty.

The family has suggested contributions in Larry’s memory to St. Vincent de Paul or the Semper Fi Fund, http://semperfifund.org/



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

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.