Flags unfurled, people saluted and tears were shed as Lance Cpl. Robert “R.J.” Newton made his way home one last time.
Lead by members of the Patriot Guard Riders, a hearse with a procession of more than 100 vehicles drove into East Peoria this afternoon.
Newton, 21, of Creve Coeur, died in Afghanistan Aug. 23.
He was transported to the 182nd Airlift Wing about 12:45 p.m., and the procession traveled from Airport Road to Interstate 474. It then turned northbound on Illinois Route 29 into East Peoria.
Members of the East Peoria Fire Department displayed a large American flag on the Pinecrest Drive overpass above Interstate 474 as the procession continued to Deiter’s Funeral Home and Crematory.
A large crowd of friends and family gathered outside the funeral home as his casket was brought inside.
For more on this fallen Marine, see this week's story online.
