SFC Robert Weant, Sr., United States Army, Ret.

Robert Weant, Sr., passed away in New Jersey at the age of 74.

Robert proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, and for 20 years in the United States Army.  His duty included service in Vietnam.

On February 20, 2013 an interment service was held at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  When the family arrived at the committal shelter, they were welcomed by fifty American flags, blowing in the wind, and by the Patriot Guard Riders.

The United States Army Honor Detail moved the flag draped coffin from the hearse to the committal shelter.  The Riders then formed a line of flags along the front of the shelter during the service.

A young woman played In the Sweet By and By, on the violin, followed by full military honors by the Honor Detail.



The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The detail then stood at attention, with their rifles at the position of Present Arms, while the Army bugler played taps.



The Detail marched into the shelter, folded the flag that covered the coffin into the traditional triangle and passed it to an Army Non-Commissioned Officer.  He presented that flag to Robert's son, a Master Sergeant in the United States Army, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Robert's honorable and faithful service.





SFC Robert Weant, Sr., was then laid to rest on the gentle sloping plain of the cemetery.  Left to cherish his memory are his sons and other dear family and friends.

 















There's a land that is fairer than day

And by faith we can see it afar

For the Father waits over the way

To prepare us a dwelling place there

We shall sing on that beautiful shore

The melodious songs of the blessed

And our spirits shall sorrow no more

Not a sigh for the blessing of rest

To our bountiful Father above

We will offer our tribute of praise

For the glorious gift of His love

And the blessings that hallow our days

In the sweet by and by

We shall meet on that beautiful shore

In the sweet by and by

We shall meet on that beautiful shore

SSG David C. Stewart, United States Army, Ret.

David Stewart passed away on February 4, 2013 in Temple, Texas at the age of 69.

David proudly served his country in the United States Army for 20 years as a Still Photographic Specialist and Unit Supply Specialist.  His service included three consecutive tours of duty in Vietnam and a tour in Berlin.

Following his retirement from the Army, David taught at the Strategic Training for Unit Deployment Center at Fort Hood, Texas.  When not working, he found enjoyment in volunteering with Special Olympics, Kairos Prison Ministry, Pray For A Soldier Team and the Patriot Guard Riders.

David and his wife, Marilyn, spent many years taking in abandoned, abused and unwanted dogs, until his declining health and the birth of their grandsons led to their reluctant decision to close their doors as a shelter.

David's friendly, outgoing presence enriched many lives through the years, and his loss leaves a great void for many.

An Inurnment Service was held for David  on February 13 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.

David's minister spoke to the gathered family and friends, read scripture from the Bible, and said a final prayer.  A female soloist sang, A Capella, Peace in the Valley.










The United States Army Honor Detail then afforded to David full military honors.  The detail of five rifles, standing on the hillside above the shelter, with the clear blue sky in the background, fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.

  
The Army bugler played  always mournful Taps, as all in attendance stood and offered an appropriate salute.

Two Army Non-Commissioned Officers carefully unfolded the American flag that had rested next to the cremains.

It was refolded into a tight triangle and presented to Marilyn, who has been married to David for 36 years, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for David's honorable and faithful service.











Folded flags, which had been carefully cradled by Patriot Guard Riders, were also presented to David's daughter, Heather, and to his brother Ken.

















SSG David C. Stewart was then laid to rest in a special area, near the entrance to the cemetery, where his father-in-law, CW4 Bobby Smith was laid to rest on June 12, 2012.  The American flag was flying at half-staff on the hill above in his honor.

The photo below depicts David, in his motorized wheel chair, at the service for his father-in-law, as Marilyn was receiving the folded flag on that occasion.
 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, his daughter, two grandsons, his brother and his wife and numerous other dear family, friends and Patriot Guard Riders.

Peace in the Valley

Well, I'm tired and so weary

But I must go along

Till the lord comes and calls, calls

me away, oh yeah

Well the morning's so bright

And the Lamb is the light

And the night, night is as black as

the sea, oh yes.

Well the bear will be gentle

And the wolf will be tame

And the lion shall lay down, by the lamb, oh yes

And the beasts from the wild

Shall be led by a child

And I'll be changed, changed from this creature that I am, oh yes.

There will be peace in the valley for me, some day

There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray

There'll be no sadness, no sorrow, oh my Lordy, no trouble, trouble I see

There will be peace in the valley for me, for me.

 With thanks to Marilyn Stewart for biographical information.

Juan Carrizales, United States Marine Corps Veteran

Juan Carrizales was born in Bartlett, Texas on July 24, 1954 and passed away January 26, 2013 in Temple, Texas at the age of 58.

Juan attended Temple High School, and graduated from high school in Nuremburg, Germany.  While living in Germany, he worked for AAFES and traveled to Rome, Spain, Italy and Hawaii.

Juan returned to the states in 1977 and lived in New Jersey.  He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1977.  He was a mortar man while in the Marines, and was based at Camp Pendleton, California.  His service took him to Okinawa, Japan and Korea.  He was honorably discharged in 1991.  He then began remodeling homes and worked as a security guard.

On January 30 a funeral service was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Temple, Texas.  The Patriot Guard Riders were present and formed a line of American flags at the entrance to the church to welcome the arriving family and friends.

 After the service, the Riders led the procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  There the family was greeted by fifty American flags blowing briskly in the very cold northerly wind.

After the flag draped coffin was moved from the hearse to the committal shelter, the Riders formed a line of flags along the front of the shelter.










The Rev. Tom  Chamberlain performed the grave side rite of committal and led the family in final prayers.











The United States Marine Corps Honor Detail rendered military honors. The Marine Bugler played taps.
 

 The Detail carefully folded the flag that covered the coffin into the traditional triangle. 

 

That flag, and a second folded flag, were presented to Juan's mother and sister on behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation as a symbol of their appreciation for Juan's service to Country and Corps.

United States Marine Juan Carrizales  was laid to rest on the wind swept grassy plain, while the American flag at the top of the hill flew at half-staff in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother and father, three siblings, four granddaughters, nieces, nephews and many other dear family and friends.


 

With thanks to Harper-Talasek Funeral Home for biographical information and image, and to Ceej Foy for additional photographs.

SSG Willie James Freeman, Sr., United States Army, Ret.

 

Willie James Freeman, Sr., was born July 17, 1953 at Vredenburgh, Alabama, and passed away January 26, 2013, aged 59.

Willie married Lorraine Freeman on July 12, 1975.

Willie proudly served his country in the United States Army as a cook.  He served for 17 years, and retired in 1988.

On February 1, an interment service was held at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  In attendance at the committal were the Patriot Guard Riders who had posted fifty American flags along the roadway.  As the hearse passed through the flags, the Riders stood at attention and saluted.

After the flag draped coffin was moved from the hearse to the committal shelter, the Riders formed a line of flags along the front of the shelter during the service.

Major Perez, of the United States Army Chaplain Corps, addressed the gathered family and friends.  He said that they were there to celebrate the life of Willie Freeman.  He invited the family and friends to share their memories of Willie.

Willie was described as being a dedicated husband and Dad, who would help anyone.  He was an avid sports fan and loved to cook.  One of the young ladies told of how Willie had taught her to add milk to scrambled eggs to make them better.  A tale that drew a good laugh.




Major Perez read scripture from the Bible and led the gathering in The Lord's Prayer.  He concluded his remarks with the observation that Willie had served his country and his family, and that they were all here to close this chapter in his life.



The United States Army Honor Detail rendered full military honors.  The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The detail stood at attention, with rifles at present arms, as the Army Bugler played taps.  All in attendance, facing the coffin, and offering the appropriate salute.


After taps, the detail moved to the committal shelter and folded the American flag that covered the coffin into a tight triangle.  The folded flag was passed to a Non-Commissioned Officer who presented it to Willie's wife of 37 years, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his honorable and faithful service.


SSG Willie Freeman, Sr. was laid to rest on the sloping plain of the cemetery hill.  The American flag at the top of the hill flew at half-staff in his honor.



Left to cherish his memory are his wife, four children, two grandchildren, other dear family and friends, and over 30 nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

A Prayer for Dad

Lord, Shepherd my dad today

In green pastures let him lay

To still waters guide his way

Restoreth his soul, I pray

Lead him in the paths of right

Through the valley give him light

When he's afraid ease his fright

 With Thy rod and staff lend might

Prepare a table of spoil

Annointest his head with oil

Give to him a cup that's royal

Let goodness follow his toil

And Thy mercy cease never

May he dwell in Thy house forever

This I ask in Jesus' name, Amen.

John 14:2  -  In my Father's house are many mansions:  if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you. 

With thanks to the family for biographical information.

SFC Gregory Thompkins, United States Army, Ret.

Gregory Thompkins was born February 20, 1957 at Philadelphia, Pa., and passed away January 22, 2013, at the age of 56.  He was a resident of Killeen, Texas at the time of his death.

Gregory proudly served in the United States Army for 20 years, and was a veteran of Operation Desert Storm.  After retiring, with the rank of Sergeant First Class, he spent the rest of his life working with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Temple, Texas.

Gregory's favorite activities were photography, photo restoration, scuba diving, traveling and artwork.  He loved to discuss and debate politics, history, religion and contemporary social issues.

On February 4 a funeral service was held at Heritage Funeral Home in Harker Heights, Texas.  On hand to welcome the arriving family and friends were the Patriot Guard Riders.  After the service, the funeral procession was led by the Riders to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, where the family was greeted by the fifty American flags blowing in the wind.

After the flag draped coffin was moved into the committal shelter, the Riders formed a line of flags along the front of the shelter, during the interment service.









The gathering was led in final prayers by Celebrant Rachel Dwyer.

Military Honors were then rendered by the Army Honor Detail.  The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country, followed by the playing of taps.

The detail marched to the flag covered coffin, folded the American flag into a traditional triangle and placed three spent cartridges into the fold of the flag.

The folded flag was ceremoniously passed to an Army Non-Commissioned Officer.  He presented the flag to Gregory's brother, Colonel Victor Harmon, the Commanding Officer of Army's Distribution Management Center, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Gregory's honorable and faithful service.

The service concluded with the releasing of three white pigeons into the sky, representing Peace, Hope and Love.

SFC Gregory Thompkins was laid to rest on the hillside, as the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are four brothers, his nieces and nephews and numerous other dear family and friends.

You cannot say, and you must not say,

That he is gone, he is away!

With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand,

He has wandered into an unknown land.

And left us dreaming how very fair,

Its needs must be, since he lingers there.

And you - On you, Who the wildest yearn,

For the old - time step and the glad return.

Think of him faring on, as dear,

In the love of There as the love of Here:

Think of him still as the same and say:

He is not gone - he is just away!

                 Gertrude Harmon

With thanks to Heritage Funeral Home for biographical information and image, and to Ceej Foy for additional photograph.