US Marine killed in Iraq laid to rest

Lance Corporal Jordan Winkler was buried Saturday in south Tulsa. The 19-year-old Union High School graduate died in Iraq last week.<br/> <br/>In just 19 years, Jordan Winkler touched a lot of people.

Saturday, December 4th 2004, 8:18 pm

By: News On 6

Lance Corporal Jordan Winkler was buried Saturday in south Tulsa. The 19-year-old Union High School graduate died in Iraq last week.

In just 19 years, Jordan Winkler touched a lot of people. Many of them came to his funeral Saturday. And the sanctuary was overflowing with people offering love and support to the Winkler family.

Lance Corporal Jordan Winkler died November 26 while serving at a hospital in Fallujah Iraq. The cause of his death is still under investigation.

But Saturday's service wasn't about his death, but his life. Folks smiled through tears as the pastor shared stories about Jordan.

This high school wrestler turned US Marine had a softer side he was a son, a brother, and a friend to everyone. His pastor also talked of his love of the Marines.

Winkler joined the Marines right after he graduated from Union High School in 2003. A sergeant who served with Jordan in Iraq spoke of the young man's determination to become a Marine.

And many took comfort in the fact that Jordan died doing what he loved.

First Sgt Ramirez: "Well Jordan is that. He is special. He made us whole and I'm a better marine because I've met him and proud to have served with him."

Pastor Chris Smith, Living Oaks Baptist Church: "Jordan took that decision to be a Marine and the oaths that go with it very seriously and we're here today because Jordan paid the ultimate price."

There wasnâ€™t a dry eye in the sanctuary.