Funeral today for Pfc. John Brown

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, April 22, 2003

Funeral services for Pfc. John Eli Brown of Troy are today at 2 p.m. at Park Memorial United Methodist Church at 705 Elba Highway.

Brown, 21, died in an unexploded ordinance incident

on April 14 in Baghdad while deployed with the 101st Airborne Division, according to a U.S. Army statement.

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The Rev. Steve Rascoe will officiate the service. Brown will be interred at Ramah Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery about nine miles northeast of Banks, in the Josie community. The grave side service will include full military honors.

Mayor Jimmy Lunsford, who has been closely following the arrangements with Brown's family, told city council members that the Army planned a fly over of Blackhawk helicopters during the grave side service.

"The military has been exceptionally good during this time," he said. "I feel really good about how the military has taken care of one of their own."

Lunsford had ordered all city flags lowered to half mast last week when notified of Brown's death.

Tuesday, city workers assembled a flag and banner display in Bicentennial Park as a further honor to the soldier.

"I commend the community, and commend the city departments (for their efforts)," Lunsford said. "The family has been appreciative."