MSG James Osborne, USA, Ret.

James Osborne was born on May 13, 1947 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  He passed away, at the age of
65, on April 28, 2013 at a hospital in Killeen, Texas.

James dedicated his life to his country and served in the United States Army for twenty years.  He retired as a Master Sergeant.

James married Barbara Custer November 10, 2011.  He enjoyed fishing, the outdoors and spending time with his family and friends.  His body was cremated. 

On May 7 an inurnment service was held at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.  When the family arrived for the service they were greeted by fifty America flags lining the roadway.

During the service the Patriot Guard Riders formed a line of American flags along the front of the committal shelter.

A minister read several passages of scripture from the Bible and led the family in final prayers.  The Army

Honor Detail rendered full military honors.  The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing

Duty, Honor and Country, followed by the playing of taps.

During the service, the urn containing the cremains of James, and the urn containing the cremains of his first wife, Maria, sat on a simple table, next to a folded American flag.  That flag was carefully unfolded, and refolded into the traditional triangle by two Non-Commissioned Officers.  It was then presented to James' surviving, and beloved, wife, Barbara, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for James' honorable and faithful service.

The cremains of James and Maria were then placed into a niche of the columbarium wall, reunited for all of time.

The American flag flew at half-staff, on the hill above, in honor of MSG James Osborne.

Left to cherish the memories of James are his wife, son, Master Chief Petty Officer James Osborne, son, Command Sergeant Major David Osborne, and son Michael Osborne.  Also, one brother, three sisters and six grandchildren.

With thanks to Crotty Funeral Home for photo and for biographical information.

CSM Chester Southworth, Sr., USA, Ret.

 Chester "Chet" Southworth, Sr., was born August 24, 1923 in Fall River, MA.  At the age of 6, he met his childhood sweetheart, and future wife of 65 years, Florance Mary Maher.  They were married on September 26, 1948.

Chet had but three loves in his life:  his wife, his children and his Country.  He was a proud veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.  He served his country honorably as a US Army Combat Engineer for more than 30 years.  He retired in Killeen, Texas as a Command Sergeant Major in 1978.

Chet and his World War II brothers have held reunions annually for more than 20 years.  He will be missed greatly by not only his immediate family, but also his 1974th Engineer Aviation Battalion family.

A funeral service for Chet was held on May 10 at St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church in Harker Heights, Texas.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to the church to welcome the family and friends.

After the service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, where the family was greeted by fifty American flags blowing in the Texas wind.



After the flag draped coffin was moved from the hearse to the committal shelter by the Army Honor Guard, the Riders formed a line of flags along the front of the shelter during the ensuing Rite of Committal and the rendering of military honors.


The Catholic Priest performed the Rite of Committal, sprinkled holy water on the coffin, and presented a crucifix to Chet's dear wife.



The Army Detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country, followed by the playing of taps, as all in attendance stood and faced the coffin.



The American flag that covered the coffin was folded into a tight triangle and passed to an Army Non-Commissioned Officer.  He presented the flag to Florance on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Chet's honorable and faithful service.



CSM Chester Southworth, Sr. was laid to rest on the sloping cemetery hill side, as the flag flew at half-staff at the top of the hill in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, a brother, three children, 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, a host of other dear family and friends, and his military Brothers.

Mourn not for me,

My friends so dear.

Although in death

I slumber here.

My days have passed.

My grave you see.

Therefore prepare 

To follow me.

(unknown author)

With thanks to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home and Ceej Foy for additional photographs, and to the family for biographical information.

West, Texas Tragedy

During the evening of April 17, 2013, a fire broke out at a fertilizer plant at the north edge of the small Central Texas town of West, Texas.  First responders from several different jurisdictions responded to the fire.

Shortly after they arrived, while they were gallantly fighting to control the blaze, there were two earth-shaking explosions which took the lives of fourteen people.  Twelve of them were first responders, the other two, nearby residents.

From April 24 until May 3, Patriot Guard Riders, from all over Texas, attended  the funeral services of ten of the first responders.  Most of those funerals were held at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, Texas, with burial at various area cemeteries, located in  bucolic farm land where black Angus cattle lounge, on a hot day,  in the shade of live oak  trees.

Kenneth Harris, Jr.

The first of the funerals was  for Captain Kenneth Harris, Jr. on Wednesday, April 24, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. Kenneth  was a Captain with Dallas-Rescue, having served that department for more than 31 years,  and who resided in West. He owned Harris Home Inspections and Construction with his family.  He loved  offshore fishing with his sons and spending time on his boat, the "Boots Up."  While he was under no obligation to respond to the fire, he did so.  His last valiant act.  He was 52 years old.  Surviving him are his wife of 28 years, Holly,  and three sons.  Captain Harris was laid to rest at Bold Springs Cemetery, West, Texas.

Joey Pustejovsky, Jr.

On Friday, April 26, a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for  Joseph F. Pustejovsky, Jr., aged 29.  "Joey" was the City Secretary of West since 2009.  He was a Volunteer Fire Fighter and the Treasurer of the West Fire Department.    He was a life member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption where he started the youth ministry.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus,  the County Line Aggie Club and the National Rifle Association.  He enjoyed hunting, golfing, working in his yard and was an avid A&M fan.    He is survived by his wife, Kelly,  and four children.

Cyrus Reed

After the service for Joey Pustejovsky, the Patriot Guard Riders rode, in formation, to Hillsboro, Texas for the funeral service of Capt. Cyrus Adam Reed, age 29.  His service was held at the Central Baptist Church in Hillsboro.  Cyrus was completing his last night of EMT basic training in West, Texas when the call came in of the fire at the fertilizer plant.   He responded from the classroom to the scene, where he helped in the effort to control the blaze.  Cyrus was a member of the Abbott Volunteer Fire Department, the Bynum Volunteer Fire Department and the West Ambulance Service.  He was an Eagle Scott in Troop 1110.

In the Bible, the book of John, Chapter 15 verse 13 reads "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." 

His survivors include his grandmother, his parents and a sister.

Buck Uptmor, Jr.

On Saturday, April 27, a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for  William R. "Buck" Uptmor, Jr.  Buck was a Volunteer Firefighter for the Abbott, Texas Fire Department.  He was 45 years old.  For over 25 years he owned and operated Uptmor Welding and Construction.  Buck loved hunting, fishing, watching his children's sporting events, coaching little league, and supporting his daughter in barrel racing.

Buck trained and jockeyed race horses and was the drummer for the Billy Uptmor and Makers band.  He loved to rodeo, and rode saddle broncs, bareback broncs and bulls.    He is survived by his wife, Arcy,  two sons and a daughter.  He was laid to rest at St. Martin's Cemetery at Tours, Texas.



On Monday, April 29, a joint Mass of Christian Burial was held for brothers Douglas Snokhous, aged 50, and Robert Snokhous, aged 48.   They were both Volunteer Firefighters with the West Fire Department.

Doug Snokhous

Doug was a Captain with the fire department.  He had worked for  Central Texas Iron Works for almost 32 years.  Doug loved spending time with his family, especially his seven-month old grandson.  He enjoyed hunting, golfing, fishing and cooking BBQ.  His passion was volunteering with the West Fire Department.   He is survived by his wife, Donna,  two daughters, two step-sons, a step-daughter and one grandson.

Bob Snokhous

Bob Snokhous was also a Captain with the fire department.  He had received an Associate Degree from Texas State Technical College in Waco.  He was a project manager with Central Texas Iron Works.  Bob was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption and a member of the Knights of Columbus West Council #2305.  He loved hunting and outdoor BBQ's.    He is survived by his wife, Alison,  a son and two daughters.  

Jimmy Matus

On Tuesday, April 30, a Mass of Christian Burial was held  for Jimmy Ray Matus, aged 52.  Jimmy had worked at his family business, Westex Welding and Fire Apparatus for forty years, managing the business for the last twenty. He was a Volunteer Firefighter with the West Fire Department.  He had served on the West ISD school board.  He loved all his pets and farm animals and was a generous and giving person.

 His flag draped coffin was transported to the St. Mary's Cemetery in an antique fire truck that he had refurbished and, until now, only he had ever driven.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Gail.  His survivors include his parents, a son and a daughter.

Cody Dragoo

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, May 1, for Cody Frank Dragoo, age 50.  Cody graduated from Montana State with a degree in Agriculture and was a long time employee of the fertilizer company where he died when it exploded.  He was a Volunteer Fire Fighter with the West Fire Department and was very involved with the department's annual BBQ cook-off fund raiser.  Cody enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, watching NASCAR and being with his family and friends.   His survivors include his wife, Patty,  and two sisters.  He was laid to rest at the St. Mary's Cemetery.

Perry Calvin

On Thursday, May 2, funeral services were held for Perry Wayne Calvin, age 37, at the Central Baptist Church in Hillsboro, Texas.  At the time of his death, he was attending the Fire Academy and Emergency Medical Technician at Hill College.  He was a self -employed farmer and a Volunteer member of the Navarro Mills Volunteer Fire Department and the Mertens Volunteer Fire Department.  Perry enjoyed horseback riding, rodeos, fishing and spending time with is family.  Perry was laid to rest at Frost Cemetery near Frost, Texas.  His survivors include his wife of 10 years, Rebecca,  two sons and his father.  He and his wife were expecting another child about Thanksgiving.

Morris Bridges

On Friday, May 3, the last of the services was held.  A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held  for Morris Wayne Bridges, Jr.  at the St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption.

Morris was 41 years old at the time of his death.  He worked as a pipe fitter for Action Fire Pro of Waxahachie, Texas.  In his honor, the company closed the business for the day and sent every one of its service trucks  to West for the service.  The truck that Morris personally drove was decorated with a wreath, and his hard hat, in his memory.

Morris had been a volunteer with the West Fire Department for two years.  He loved to ride motorcycles, fishing, camping and the outdoors.   He is survived by his wife, Carmen, and three children.

After the service, his cremains were carried in a West Fire Truck to the Bold Springs Cemetery, just outside of West, where he was laid to rest within yards of Captain Harris.

Also killed in the explosion was Kevin Sanders, aged 33,  of the Bruceville-Eddy Volunteer Fire Department who worked with the West EMS.  He was attending an EMS class in West when he responded to the fire at the plant.  He taught veterinary  technician training at McClellan  Community College in Waco. He is survived by his wife, Sarah and their son Reeve.

Jerry Chapman also perished in the explosion.  Jerry, aged 26, was a member of the Abbott Volunteer Fire Department.  Jerry was an avid video gamer.  He had discovered his passion and was near the end of his training to be an EMT.  He is survived by his parents and grandparents.  

When duty calls me, Oh Lord, wherever flames may rage,

Give me the strength to save some life whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child before it is too late;

Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert, Oh Lord, and guide my every move,

for life is so precious, please don't let us loose.

I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me

To guard my every neighbor and protect their property.

And if according to Thy will, that I must give my life,

Then with Thy protecting hand, My Lord, I pray thee,

protect my children and my wife.

Amen

Also killed, tragically, on that spring evening was Judith Ann Monroe, aged 65 who had moved to West in 2001, who enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  She loved reading, solving word puzzles  and playing board games.

And, Mariano Saldivar, aged 57, who lived in a nearby apartment complex, perished that evening. His services were held at the St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption.  He was a native of Mexico, and was a loving and faithful husband and father.

CM2 Charles Agin, United States Navy

 

Charles Agin was born February 13, 1943 in West Monroe, LA.  He passed away April 23, 2013, at his home in Fort Rucker, Alabama.  Aged, 70.

Charles proudly served his country in the United States Navy from July 1966 to July, 1968.  He was assigned to a Seebee Battalion and served two tours in Vietnam.  He was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries suffered in Vietnam.

Charles worked for more than 30 years as a diesel mechanic, retiring in 1995.

Funeral services were held for Charles on April 26 at the Main Post Chapel, Fort Rucker, Alabama.  The Alabama Patriot Guard Riders, Wiregrass Area, were honored to escort Charles to the Chapel for the service.

After the service in Alabama, Charles' flag draped casket was driven to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas, where family and friends gathered on April 29 for interment services.

When the family arrived at the cemetery, they were welcomed by the Patriot Guard Riders, CENTEX Region, and fifty American flags, blowing briskly in the westerly Texas wind.

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

The gathered family and friends were addressed by First Sergeant Brown, standing next to the coffin, who spoke warmly of his years of friendship with Charles.  He met Charles when stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington.  He said that Charles lived life on his own terms, that he loved bass fishing.  He spoke of their hunting trips together.  He described Charles as an honest man, who always had a big smile on his face.

The congregants were led  in a closing prayer by United States Army Captain Burke.

Members of the United States Navy Honor Guard then afforded Charles military Honors.   Taps was played by the Navy Bugler, as all in attendance stood at attention, with military salutes or hands over hearts.

The American flag that had covered the coffin all the way from Alabama was carefully folded into a tight triangle.  A Navy Petty Officer presented the flag to Annette, the dearly beloved wife of Charles for over 18 years, on behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, as a symbol of appreciation for his service to this Country and the Navy.

CM2 Charles Agin, another Vietnam Veteran lost, was then laid to rest on the grassy plain of the cemetery, as the family looked on from the nearby roadway.  The American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above, in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, a daughter and a son, two step-sons, two grandsons, a granddaughter and numerous other dear family, friends and military buddies.






With thanks to Searcy Funeral Home for biographical information.

SPC Zachary New, United States Army

Zachary "Zac" New was born March 3, 1992 and passed away April 22, 2013, while on active duty in the United States Army.








According to news reports, Zac was based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, as an infantryman with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team.   On January 29, 2013, He was traveling in a convoy of military vehicles, when the soldiers stopped for a break at Midway Lodge near Salcha, Alaska.  As Zac was exiting his humvee, he was struck by a  log-hauling truck, which had lost control on the icy pavement. Zac suffered grave injuries to his chest.

Zac was transferred to the Audie L. Murphy Veterans Affairs Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, to be nearer his family who live in Jarrell, Texas.  He passed away at that facility on April 22.

Zac joined the Army in June 2010, after graduating from Lampasas, Texas High School,  and had served a one year tour of duty in Afghanistan.

On April 26 a funeral service was held at the Sneed Funeral Chapel in Lampasas.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the family.

After the service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  When the family arrived there, they were greeted by fifty American flags lining the roadway.

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

The minister led the family in the final prayers and full military honors were rendered by the United States Army Honor Guard.

The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country, followed by the playing of taps.

The American flag that draped the coffin was carefully folded into a triangle, passed to a Non-Commissioned Officer, who presented it to Zac's mother, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his honorable and faithful service.

SPC Zachary Lane was laid to rest on the wind swept cemetery plain, as the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Jerry and Karla of Jarrell, a sister and a brother, his maternal grandmother and numerous other dear family, friends and the "Baylough Brothers", members of 1st Platoon Bravo Company 1-24 Infantry.

With thanks to The Associated Press and Sneed Funeral Chapel for historical and biographical information.