5 days ago
300 people attend funeral of Springfield veteran with no known family
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — They didn't know him, and he didn't know them, but that didn't stop 300 people from attending a Vietnam veteran's funeral last week.
Robert Neff died at the age of 79 with no known family. The public was invited to his funeral on Friday, and Central Illinois showed up in force.
'Every stone here is a story': Fallen veterans honored at Camp Butler during Memorial Day ceremony
As Neff was laid to rest, hundreds of people attended the funeral service, including active duty servicemembers, veterans, Honor Guard members, Patriot Guard riders and civilians.
'This morning, when I got up, I would've been happy with 15 or 20 people,' said Jerry Curry of Curry Funeral Home. 'But the community just came out in droves, and it was a very humbling experience.'
Every branch of the military was there to honor Neff. He is buried at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield.
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