LAKEPORT – On Tuesday, June 24, at high noon, there will be a special funeral ceremony for the first indigent veteran buried in Veterans Circle at Hartley Cemetery.

 

George Oliver Elder was born on October 21, 1936 in Mineral Wells, Texas, and passed away in Lakeport on May 26.

He served his country honorably in the US Air Force from 1957 to 1961. He was an aircraft maintenance man.

 

Unfortunately, at his death, Elder was indigent; he had no family and few friends.

 

The United Veterans Council Funeral Honors Team will provide traditional military honors including the three-volley rifle salute, the playing of Taps, and the folding and presentation of the flag.

Captain Woody Hughes, U.S. Navy, Retired, Chaplain for the Funeral Honors Team, will deliver the eulogy at the simple, but dignified, ceremony at Veterans Circle.

A representative of the Avenue of the Flags will receive the flag to be flown in his honor each Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Hartley Cemetery is located at 2552 Hill Road, Lakeport.

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