7 veterans who died with no family honored with funeral in Hopkinsville

7 veterans who died with no family honored with funeral in Hopkinsville | PHOTOS

Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville held a service for seven service members who's remains had been unclaimed for several years.

Christian County NowKentucky Veterans Cemetery West unclaimed veteran funeral in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 23, 2026 (Daynnah Carmona)

HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A military funeral was held at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville where seven veterans were laid to rest after years of waiting unclaimed at funeral homes and crematoriums. Arranged by the Missing in America Project, community members, patriot guard riders and military members were able to honor the deceased individuals alongside representatives from the Air Force, Marines and the Army.

Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Whitney Allen said these men returned home from the line of duty, lived normal lives and then died without any family to claim their remains. However, they are now able to have their last chapter written with honor. Despite the solemn atmosphere, he emphasized that it was a joyous occasion since they are now united with their brothers and sisters.

Below are the names of the veterans who were honored along with how long their remains sat unclaimed before the service on Sept. 23.

United States Air Force AB Jimmie R. Shelton: Waiting 16 years, 6 months, 29 days
United States Air Force SSGT John A. Mack, Vietnam: Waiting 9 years, 10 months, 5 days.
United States Air Force AB Lester W. Brewer: Waiting 7 years, 6 months, 5 days.
United States Air Force A1C Franklin D. Thurman, Korea: Waiting 5 years, 9 months, 18 days.
United States Army SP3 Martin E. Tullis: Waiting 5 years, 4 months, 13 days.
United States Army 1LT Jerry L. Puckett: Waiting 9 years, 2 months, 25 days.
United States Marine Corps LCPL John W. Henning, Vietnam: Waiting 4 years, 4 months, 26 days.

Each service member had their name said out loud and a bell was rung as a flag was ceremoniously folded and presented to individuals who walked them to their final resting place at the cemetery.

Volunteers with the Missing in America Project dedicate their time to search at crematories and funeral homes, looking for unclaimed remains. They then determine through Veterans Affairs if the individual is a military dependent, service member, or spouse. After this process, they are able to take possession of the remains as family.

Find out more about the Missing in America Project, and how to volunteer on their website.

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