Missing Marine Laid To Rest In Tulsa 68 Years After Death

It was a funeral delayed 68 years, but World War II veteran Walter "Dub" Vincent Jr. was laid to rest Saturday in Tulsa.

Second Lieutenant Vincent was killed April 22, 1944, when his plane went down during a training mission on the Pacific Island of Espiritu Santo. Vincent and the six other Marines on board were missing in action until the crash site was discovered in 2007.

Vincent's body was returned to Tulsa on Friday.

5/4/2012 Related Story: Body Of Lost WWII Marine Returns To Tulsa

The burial service at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa included a flyover by vintage World War II training planes. The Marine Corps Honor Guard escorted the casket down a walkway lined with flags to the private family service.

Veterans and military honor guard groups including the Marine Corps League and Patriotic Guard were present to honor the Bartlesville resident who died in service to his country.

"We are so very proud to be members of a great nation that chooses to ‘bring its boys home' even after 68 years," the family said in the funeral bulletin.

MIA Marine Laid To Rest

"Our thanks to all who have contributed in making this day a reality and who strive to honor those that have served or are serving to this day; may you never lose heart."

Chaplain Ray Hunt of the United States Navy officiated the service. Arrangements under the direction of Moore's Southlawn Chapel.