George Obourn laid to rest

EAST PEORIA -- Saturday, the Heart of Illinois lay to rest a young soldier from Creve Coeur.

Army Specialist George Obourn, Jr. died on October 4th while fighting in the war in Iraq.

The 20-year soldier was close to concluding his one year tour-of-duty in Iraq, when enemy fire took his life.

The music of a final farewell said it all- Spc. George Obourn, Jr. had finally come home.

George was a 2004 graduate of East Peoria Community High School and played in its band.

As a sign of gratitude, dozens of students from the school's marching band lined the street as a procession took him toward his final resting place.

His parents, grieving from his loss, wished not to talk.

But in a statement said their son viewed joining the army as a responsibility.

"When he was called, he felt it was his duty to answer," wrote George and Debbie Obourn. “We are very sad but also very proud of what he has accomplished for our country.”

This is the second funeral the community has endured in a short time.

George's best friend, Spc. Kristofer Walker was buried Friday.

He died in Iraq two days before George.

Their families tell us these young men were inseparable.

They played in the school band together, graduated together, enlisted in the army together, and now, made the ultimate sacrifice together.

Both men were assigned to the Seventh Squadron, Tenth Cavalry Regiment in Fort Hood, Texas.

From WXIA 11

Related Link:
Kristofer Walker laid to rest

Related Link:
Friends, family remember Kristofer Walker and George Obourn

Related Link:
Kristofer Walker comes home

Related Link:
Kristofer Walker, George Obourn honored at school ceremony as inseparable friends

Related Link:
Kristofer Walker killed by roadside bomb

Related Link:
George Obourn killed by small weapons fire