CW4 Bobby Smith, United States Army, Ret.

Bobby Smith passed away at his home in Waco, Texas on April 23, 2012 at the age of 76.

Bobby proudly served his country for 26 years, beginning in the United States Marine Corps and then transferring to the Army.  He rose in the enlisted ranks to Staff Sergeant before attending flight school and becoming an Aviation Warrant Officer.

His service included a tour of duty in Korea, two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, and selection to the Presidential Flight Staff.

His love of flying continued after his retirement from the Army as he flew commercially for many years and then built his own airplane.

Bobby earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering through Embry Riddle University and used his knowledge to design and build electronic components for aircraft as well as computers and ham radios.

After his wife's death in 2002, he found a new passion in motorcycles and enjoyed traveling the country on two wheels.

An inurnment service, with full military honors, was held on June 12 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter during the service.

The United States Army Honor Guard rendered the honors.  The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Army bugler, standing in the shade of a live oak tree, played taps.  The flag that had rested against the cremains was carefully unfolded and refolded into a tight triangle, and presented to Bobby's son, Frank, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his honorable and faithful service.

A second folded American flag was presented to Bobby's daughter, Marilyn, who is a dedicated Patriot Guard Rider.

The cremains of CW4 Bobby Smith were buried nearby, as the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, on the hill above.





Left to cherish his memory are his son, two daughters, a brother, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

With thanks to the Waco Tribune-Herald for biographical information and to Amanda Carter for additional photographs.

LTC Gordon Howard, United States Army, Ret.

Gordon Howard passed away on April 26, 2012 in Temple, Texas at the age of 88.

Gordon proudly served his country in the United States Army for many
years, retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel.  He lived many years in Arizona, before moving to Belton, Texas where his daughter lives.







During his years in Arizona, Gordon was a dedicated volunteer at the Glendale Library.  He was highly respected by all who knew him there, and is remembered for his smile, his hugs and his witty tales.

Graveside services were held on May 1 at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter during the service.

A "cowboy" preacher spoke of Gordon's life and how he loved everything about Texas, and said the final prayers.

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

The flag that draped the casket was folded into a tight triangle and ceremoniously passed to an Army Officer, who presented it to Gordon's daughter on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Gordon's honorable and faithful service.

LTC Gordon Howard was laid to rest on the wind swept plain 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 daughter, Barbara, two grandsons, three great-grandchildren and numerous other dear family and friends.



 

Safely Home

I am home in heaven, dear ones,

Oh, so happy and so bright!

There is perfect joy and beauty

in this everlasting light.

all the pain and frief is over,

very restless tossing passed.

I am now at peace forever,

safely home in heaven at last.

there is still work waiting for you,

so you must not idly stand.

Do it now, while life remaineth,

you shall rest in God's own land.

When that work is all completed,

He will gently call you home.

Ah, the rapture of that meeting,

Oh, the joy to see you come! 

 

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

Sgt. Gary Miller, United States Army, Ret.

Gary Miller was born March 30, 1973 in Trenton, New Jersey and passed away May 5, 2012 at Killeen, Texas at the age of 39.

Gary proudly served his country in the United States Army and was medically retired.

On May 25 the Patriot Guard Riders led the funeral procession from Heritage Funeral Home in Harker Heights, Texas to the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, where the procession was welcomed by fifty American flags blowing in the southerly wind.

After the Army Honor Guard moved the flag draped casket from the hearse to the committal shelter, the Riders formed a ling of flags around the shelter during the service.

A minister read from the scripture and said the final prayers.

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

The flag that covered Gary's casket was carefully folded into the traditional triangle and passed to a Non-Commissioned Officer.  He presented the flag to Gary's dear wife on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Gary's honorable and faithful service.

Sgt. Gary Miller was then laid to rest on the sloping plain 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 wife and children, and many other dear family and friends.

MSG David Nowlin, United States Army, Ret.

David Jon Nowlin passed away May 17, 2012 at Killeen, Texas at the age of 56.  David proudly served his country in the United States Army for more than twenty years, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant.

On May 24 the Patriot Guard Riders gathered at the Heritage Funeral Home in Harker Heights, Texas.  The Riders led the funeral procession carrying David's family and friends to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen for inurnment service with full military honors.

At the columbarium of the cemetery awaited more Riders and American flags surrounding the committal shelter.

An Army Chaplain offered the final prayers and rite of committal.

The Army Honor Guard rendered the 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 then carefully unfolded the American flag that had rested next to David's cremains and refolded it into a tight triangle.  The flag was passed to a Non-Commissioned Officer who presented it to David's dear wife on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for David's honorable and faithful service.




The cremains of MSG David Nowlin were placed into a niche of the columbarium wall as the family and friends gathered around and the American flag flew at half-staff at the top of the hill in his honor.

Col. H. C. Copeland, USAF (Ret.)

H.C. Copeland was born in Brady, Texas on February 13, 1931 and passed away in Round Rock, Texas on June 12, 2012, at the age of 81.

H.C. proudly served his country in the United States Air Force.  He was commissioned a Second Lt. on April 30, 1953.  His many duty stations in his early career include Webb AFB, Texas, McGhee Tyson, Tennessee, Fort Knox, Kentucky, Tin City, Alaska, Fairchild AFB, Washington, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona and Takhli Royal Thai AFB, Thailand.

H.C. was a jet pilot, having earned his wings in April, 1956.  On July 17, 1967 he was piloting a F-105 Thunderchief jet on a mission over North Vietnam when his aircraft was struck by enemy fire.  He was forced to eject from his aircraft and was taken prisoner by the North Vietnamese.  He spent 2068 days in captivity, until his release during Operation Homecoming on March 14, 1973.

Col. Copeland was briefly hospitalized  for his injuries at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas.  He then served on the staff of Headquarters 12th Air Force at Bergstrom AFB in Austin, Texas from August 1973 until his retirement on August 1, 1979.

A memorial service with military honors was held on June 15 at the Cook-Waldren/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, 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 service included a slide show of photos of Col. Copeland with his family accompanied by the songs "The Dance", by Garth Brooks. and "Go Rest High on that Mountain" by Vince Gill.

After the service, the flag draped casket was moved to the outside portico, where the Patriot Guard Riders had formed a line of American Flags.  The United States Air Force Honor Guard rendered military honors.

The American flag that draped the casket was carefully folded into the traditional triangle.  The three rifle detail fired three volleys of fire representing Duty, Honor and Country.  A military bugler played taps.

The folded flag was then presented to Col. Copeland's son, Glenn, on behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation for the faithful and dedicated service of Col. H.C. Copeland.

Graveside services were held on June 16 at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens in San Angelo, Texas.

Left to cherish  precious memories are his son and his daughter and their spouses, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a host of close friends and other relatives.

With thanks to Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home for biographical information and photo.

James Anderson, United States Marine Corps Veteran

James Dean Anderson was born May 12, 1940 and passed away in Central Texas at the age of 70.  James proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and achieved the rank of Corporal.

James was a valuable member of the Methodist Church and was a secret benefactor to many of its members.  He was a poet and a patriot.

An inurnment service was held on May 11, 2012 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  In attendance were James' friends and the Patriot Guard Riders, who formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter.

The Pastor of the church that James attended said the final prayers and performed the rite of committal.

The Marine Corps Honor Guard rendered military honors.  The Marine bugler played taps.  The American flag which had rested against James' cremains was carefully unfolded and refolded into the traditional triangle.  A Senior Non- Commissioned Officer presented the flag to a family friend, as James' next of kin, a sister was unable to attend, on behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation as a symbol of our appreciation for James' service to Country and Corps.

The cremains of James Dean Anderson, always a Marine, were buried nearby as the American flag flew at half-staff in his honor at the top of the hill.

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 thins to himself.

Col. John Griffith, USAF, Ret.

John Griffith was born August 11, 1931 in Port Arthur, Texas.  He passed away on May 8, 2012 in Austin, Texas at the age of 80.  John was walking, with his daughter, on a section of the hike and bike trail in Austin that is adjacent to a heavily traveled down-town street, when a speeding vehicle left the roadway and struck John, killing him at the scene.  The vehicle also struck a University of Texas Professor, who suffered serious injuries.  The City of Austin as now place barriers at that location to prevent such occurrences.

John graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur in 1949 and from Texas A&M University with a BS in Meteorology in 1959.  He loved his Aggies!  He also attended Lamar State University in Beaumont where he studied Electrical Engineering and St. Edwards University where he made progress towards an MBA.

Col. Griffith joined the United States Air Force in 1951 and proudly served his country that he loved so much.  His many assignments included Tactical Instructor at Lackland AFB, Squadron Commander of a Combat Flying Squadron (the Antique Airlines) in Vietnam, Pilot, Instructor Pilot, and Flight Examiner of Single and Multi-engine Conventional and Jet Aircraft.  He amassed 7000 hours as a pilot in T-28, T-37, T-38, C-7, C-47, C-124, C-141 and C-5A aircraft.  His many military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star Medal.

After his retirement in 1975, John worked as a pioneer in the evolving computer industry in Austin.  He enjoyed post-military careers at Texas Instruments and CompuAdd Corp.

John was a tall man, with striking military bearing in his uniform which he continued to don after his retirement.  He was a true gentleman, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to all who knew him.

He was an active member of Bethany United Methodist Church.  His greatest passion in his last years was cheering his many grandchildren on in their various athletic activities.  John, himself, was an accomplished athlete, taking his high school basketball team to the State Play-Offs in Austin in 1947.  He also played catcher on both his high school and college teams.

A Service of Celebration in remembrance for John's life was held on May 11 at the Bethany United Methodist Church in Austin.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American Flags at the entrance to welcome the family and friends.

The Celebration included the singing of the hymn "Old Rugged Cross" and the recitation of The Lord's Prayer.

After the Service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  There awaited the Patriot Guard Riders of the CENTEX Region and fifty American Flags lining the roadway to the committal shelter.

Also in attendance was the United States Air Force Honor Guard.  After the Honor Guard moved the flag draped casket from the hearse to the shelter, the Riders formed a line of flags along the front of the shelter, as full military honors were rendered.

The Air Force Honor Guard carefully and precisely folded the flag that draped the casket into a tight triangle, and passed it to a Non-Commissioned Officer.  The Detail of three rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Air Force bugler played the always mournful Taps.

The folded flag was then presented to John's daughter  on behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, for the faithful and dedicated service of Col. John Griffith.  Three of the expended rifle cartridges were tucked into the fold of the flag.

A Pastor of the Methodist Church  performed the rite of committal and  led the gathered family and friends in the recitation of the Lord's Prayer.

Col. John Griffith was then laid to rest next to his dear wife, Mary, who passed away September 16, 2008, as the American Flag flew at half-staff on the hill above in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters, two sons, ten grandchildren, one brother and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

High Flight

"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed and joined the

tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds -

and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of -

wheeled and soared and swung high

in the sunlit silence.

Hovering there I've chased the shouting wind along

and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.

I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace,

where never lark, or even eagle, flew;

and, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod

the high untrespassed sanctity of space,

put out my hand and touched the face of God."

(A sonnet written by John Gillespie Magee, an American pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force in the Second World War.  He came to Britain, flew in a Spitfire squadron, and was killed at the age of nineteen on 11 December 1941 during a training flight from the airfield near Scopwick.) 

With thanks to Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home for biographical information and additional photos, and to various Austin news sources for the details of the event that took his life.