Hundreds say goodbye to Bolingbrook soldier killed at Ft. Hood
The funeral of U.S. Army Pfc. Michael Pearson, one of the 13 people killed in the Nov. 5 shootings at Fort Hood, began Saturday with one of the Bolingbrook man's main passions: music.
An electric-guitar rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," performed in the manner of Pearson's idol, Jimi Hendrix, opened the service on a note both mournful and patriotic.
Those two emotions that would hold throughout the afternoon.
Hundreds, including dignitaries such as Gov. Pat Quinn and Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar, gathered inside a Joliet funeral home to say goodbye to the 22-year-old soldier. Veterans saluted Pearson's open casket, which was draped in a flag. Friends and loved ones watched a video montage of moments from Pearson's life, alternately laughing and crying.
Outside, a huge American flag hung from the extended ladders of two fire engines. Patriot Guard motorcycle riders lined the entrance to the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, flags in hand. And dozens of people stood along Black and Essington roads to pay respects to a young man whose life was cut short when a fellow soldier opened fire at the Texas army base.
The speakers who paid tribute to Pearson described him as an intelligent, selfless young man who loved music, loved his country and always reached out to others.
Pearson's cousin, Mike Dostalek, said the two weren't close as children, but bonded later over their shared love of music. Dostalek said Pearson was an acute observer, and that he loved music in part because of what it taught him about the world.
"In music, Michael saw the harmony and disharmony of life," Dostalek said. "And he learned from that."
Kristopher Craig, Pearson's brother and a fellow soldier, talked about Pearson's inquisitive, analytical mind and his ability to make other people feel comfortable. Craig said Pearson could instantly relate to anyone, regardless of the person's background.
"I thank God that he was a part of our lives," Craig said, his voice breaking. "I think he contributed more to my life than I contributed to his."
Others praised Pearson for his skill on the guitar and for the beautiful music and lyrics he wrote in his spare time.
Pearson graduated from Bolingbrook High School in 2006, and joined the military in 2008. Claar said the village's rotary club had set up a music scholarship at the high school in Pearson's name. Memorials to Pearson will be established at various spots in the village, he added.
Quinn urged parents and young people to use Pearson and his family as role models for how to instill values and live a life of service.
"God didn't give Michael a long life," Quinn said during the service, "but it sure was a purposeful one."
After the funeral, Pearson received a military burial at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.
Pearson was one of two Chicago-area soldiers to die in the Fort Hood shootings. Pfc. Francheska Velez, of Chicago, also was killed. Her funeral services are pending.