Funeral Held for Oklahoma Marine Killed in Afghanistan

NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Family and friends said a final farewell to an Oklahoma Marine killed in Afghanistan.

Marine Lance Corporal Johnathan Stroud was killed July 30. Funeral services were held Saturday for the son, husband and father-to-be.

Friends and family of 20-year-old Marine Jonathan Stroud gathered at Heritage Baptist Church in Oklahoma City to remember a life that was short, but rich.

"It's good to be with him again, but I hate to see it on this occasion," said Chaplain Nathanial Thomas, World War II Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Stroud graduated from Cashion High School and joined the Marine Corps last year. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal to name a few of his accomplishments.

The word "proud" is an understatement for the impact he made on those who knew him best and some who didn't know him at all.

"I will always remember his smile when he came in the door. He loved to laugh. I will really miss him," said co-worker Leslie Dixon.

In addition to his parents, sister and a host of friends and loved ones, Stroud leaves behind his wife and an unborn child.

"Why did he have to go? So young, I just don't know why. Thing happen every time...without reason, without rhyme," James "Jim" Light sang, who performed a special song at the service.

From the purity of childhood to the ultimate sacrifice, Stroud was a true American Hero. While many tears were shed, there was a brief moment of laughter when Stroud's final request was played, "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen.

"The song is to let everybody know that he's still with us and he's still trying to make us happy even after he's gone," a friend of Stroud's said.

Corporal Stroud was buried at Cashion Cemetery.

More on News9.com: Cashion Marine Killed in Afghanistan