News

Body of Bolingbrook Fort Hood victim back home

Posted November 11, 2009 10:00 pm

By Jakes Griffin and Lee Filas Daily Herald Staff

The hearse carrying Pfc. Michael Pearson leaves Midway Airport Thursday morning. Associated Press

The body of a Bolingbrook native killed in the massacre at Fort Hood in Texas last week arrived home Thursday.

Escorted by a phalanx of Illinois Patriot Guard motorcycle riders, the hearse carrying Army Pfc. Michael Pearson was part of a somber procession that snaked its way through the village after his remains were flown into Midway Airport in the morning.

It took the caravan of 100-plus riders over an hour to complete the journey from the airport to the Joliet funeral home where Pearson's services will be held on Saturday. Bolingbrook High School students lined the sidewalks outside the school as the procession passed by.

"Michael's family was overwhelmed by the outpouring," said Brenda Meyers, the Northern Illinois Patriot Guard assistant senior ride captain. "All of these (escorts) are very, very difficult, but from my standpoint I believe it was more difficult because of the situation."

Pearson was one of 13 people shot and killed Nov. 5 at a readiness center on the military compound by an Army psychiatrist.

Visitation will be held Friday at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 3200 Black Road in Joliet. Funeral services begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at the Abraham Lincoln national Cemetery in Elwood following the funeral.

Bolingbrook High School students line the school's drive as the body of Army Pfc. Michael Pearson passes. Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

The Patriot Guard lead the way past Bolingbrook High School . Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

The Bolingbrook Fire Department stands at attention as the body of Army Pfc. Michael Pearson is brought back to Illinois with an escort and departs Bolingbrook High School. Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

The Air Force Junior ROTC at Bolingbrook High School line the school's drive as the body of Army Pfc. Michael Pearson is brought back to Illinois with an escort. Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

Pfc. Michael Pearson

The hearse carrying Pfc. Michael Pearson leaves Midway Airport Thursday morning. Associated Press

Firefighters salute as the hearse carrying Pfc Michael Pearson leaves Midway Airport Thursday in Chicago. Associated Press

Bolingbrook High School juniors Julia Freeman, left and Camille Davis, right, hold flags as they line the school's drive with the rest of the school for the procession. Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

Supporters line streets as the hearse carrying Pfc Michael Pearson leaves Midway Airport Thursday in Chicago. Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Bolingbrook Communities Counties DuPage County News Will County

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.