The family of Master Sergeant Merritt Leroy Wynn celebrated his life in a Homegoing Celebration on Saturday 73 years after he went Missing in Action while in battle in North Korea.
Powe’s niece Marva Bledsoe sang ‘How Great Thou Art’ as a passing thunderstorm provided the sound of thunder almost on queue.
Pastor Val Powe of the Ricks Chapel Church offered Words of Comfort at the service and thanked the US government for bringing his remains back to the US so he could be laid to rest on friendly soil.
“Now after all these years, years that have passed, the family of Merritt Lynn has gathered 73 years later to do what could not be done in 1950. This family has come to the graveside of this fallen soldier to officially pay their respects to a loved one who has been missing in action in North Korea all these years.”
Powe noted Wynn’s accomplishments as a heavyweight boxer, even sparing with World Champion Joe Lewis, and rose to the Rank of Master Sergeant at a time of segregation in the military.
“We find out that he was a leader. A leader in times of division and yet a leader that had great accomplishments. So many great accomplishments and for such valor he was awarded the Silver Star. That is a monumental achievement in times when we weren’t always together.”
The service concluded with the folding of the US Flag that covered the casket containing Wynn’s remains which were then presented by US Army members present to Wynn’s oldest surviving relative. There was then a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.
A number of area residents lined the streets from the Irvin Macz Funeral Home to the Elmwood Cemetery. Members of the Patriot Guard also joined the procession.
Wynn’s remains were identified last year after his remains were among those returned to former President Donald Trump during a visit with North Korea’s leader.
Pallbearers from the US Army prepare to move the casket of Master Sergeant Merritt Leroy Winn 73 years after his death. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
After carefully folding the flag that had been draped over the casket on Master Sergeant Merritt Leroy Wynn it is presented to a family member. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Patriot guard members join the funeral procession into Elmwood Cemetery for the Saturday afternoon service.
