Fallen honored in Creston service

Air Force veteran Brian Gutmann began Monday’s Memorial Day Service at Graceland Cemetery with a reading from Psalm 116, reminding attendees that even in death, God saves.

“Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: ‘Please, LORD, save me!’ The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.”

Gutmann thanked the fallen for their service and led a prayer for those still serving their nation.

Creston’s VFW Post 1797 Commander Gary O’Daniels read names of various veterans residing in Graceland Cemetery and some highlights of their service. After each name was read, a handbell was rung and the crowd had a moment of silence.

Following the reading, O’Daniels explained the meaning for the 13 folds in a ceremonial flag folding and the history of taps. Members of the Creston VFW then performed the 21-gun salute and taps to finish the ceremony.

Honored veterans:

Lyle D. Bush: Served in the U.S. Army during World War II from February 1942 to January 1946. He held the rank of Staff Sergeant in the radio section while serving in the Philippines. He received the Philippine Liberation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Robert E. Clem: Served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Fireman 1st Class from November 1943 to January 1946. He served on the submarine USS Chitaine.

Kirk Cooper: Served in the U.S. Army during World War I from July 1918 to April 1919 as a Private.

Wray G. Fife: Served in the U.S. Air Force from February 1962 to February 1966. He served as a Radar Repairman and received the Good Conduct Medal upon discharge.

Arthur W. Green: Served in the U.S. Army during World War II from April 1942 to October 1945. Upon his discharge, he received the Good Conduct Medal and $175.56.

Mark M. Henry: Served in the U.S. Navy from March 1953 to February 1957. He received the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Edmund Jeske: Served in the U.S. Army from November 1965 to November 1971. He was stationed in Germany as a Radio Operator and earned the rank of Corporal. He received the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Robert F. Kissel: Served in the U.S. Army from July 1941 to November 1945. He earned the rank of Private 1st Class while serving in the Military Police. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the American Defense Service Ribbon.

DeRonda D. Moore: Served in the Coast Guard from 1942 to 1945. He earned the rank of Storekeeper 2nd Class during his time of service. He received an Honorable Discharge Button, a Service Lapel Button and the Blue Honorable Discharge Emblem.

Amos Parker: Served in the U.S. Army during World War I from July 1917 to July 1919. While serving in France, his job was working as a horseshoer. Upon his discharge he received $26.60.

Anton A. Schmidt: Served in the U.S. Army from December 1917 to November 1918, where he achieved the rank of Corporal. He received the Victory Button and the Silver Service Chevron.

Lyle William Sharp: Served in the U.S. Army from January 1951 to October 1952 in Korea. He served as part of the 25th Military Police Company and achieved the rank of Corporal. He received the Korea Service Medal with Bronze Service Star and the United Nations Service Medal with one Overseas Service Bar.

Donald L. Schrodt: Served in the U.S. Army from April 1969 to November 1970. He was a member of the Military Police while serving in Vietnam and earned the rank of Specialist 4th Class. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Commendation Medal.

Melvin Shipley: Enlisted in the U.S. Army in April 1898 and served through 1900. He served during the Philippine Insurrection as a Private. Upon his discharge, he received $228.46.

John W. Sturgeon: Enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1898 during the Philippine Insurrection and achieved the rank of Corporal. Upon his discharge, he received $214.34 and it was noted on his discharge paper that his service was honest and faithful.

Maurice Tillotson: Served in the U.S. Navy from February 1944 to March 1946 as a Radarman 2nd Class. Upon his discharge, he received $210.84.

Elmer Ubbink: Served in the U.S. Army/Air Force from July 1941 to November 1945. He was an Airplane and Engine Mechanic while stationed in Amarillo, Texas. He received the Good Conduct Medal.

Randy White: Served in the U.S. Army from June 1977 to June 1980. He achieved the rank of Specialist 4th Class while working as a track Vehicle Mechanic. He served with the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry with the 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas.

Win W. Wickham: Served as a Captain in the U.S. Army from May 1943 to July 1946. He was in the 361st Engineer Battalion, Serving in the Rhineland Campaign. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theater Medal, the Eastern Asiatic-Pacfic Medal and the Japanese Occupation Medal.