Pandemic Nearly Upends Sailor's Military Funeral Service
FairHaven Fort Wayne • June 4, 2020
Due to Covid-19, the Navy wouldn't allow active members of their Honor Guard to attend the service of Robert Thompson, Sr. That just didn't sit right with FairHaven owner-director Mark Scheidt, who put out his own call to help honor Thompson.
Military Funeral Ceremony: Volunteer Honor Guard members were recruited to attend Thompson's service to honor his memory as a serviceman in the U.S. Navy. Thompson died on May 26th, 2020, one day after Memorial Day.
The bonds of military service are so tight not even a global pandemic would stand in the way of properly commemorating a fellow service member. But that's not how it looked at first, according to the U.S. Navy's policy on active personnel.
For Mark Scheidt, co-owner and funeral director at FairHaven Funeral Home, he wasn't comfortable letting a veteran, Robert Thompson, Sr., go to his grave without the solemn reminder that he put his life on the line to serve his country.
"The thought that Thompson wouldn't get the military ceremony he deserved disappointed and saddened me," Scheidt said.
Thompson passed away on May 26th, the day after Memorial Day. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam war and battled PTSD and depression. He was 63.
Thompson's son, Robert Jr., wanted a better ending for his father. He wanted him to be recognized for his service even though the elder Thompson didn't have faith that anyone would show up.
"He didn't think five people would attend," Thompson Jr. said in his eulogy, his voice breaking with emotion. "Thank you."
When Scheidt began to make the arrangements for Thompson and learned that the Navy would not be supply an Honor Guard for the service due to Covid, he turned to social media and his own network of family and friends with this post:
The response was overwhelming. Scheidt had more than enough volunteer service members reach out to him with offers of assistance.
"Our military brothers and sisters are special people who demonstrate a deep, deep level of love and support," Scheidt said. "Thompson also had these qualities, he served honorably. There's no doubt about that."
WATCH: Robert J. Thompson, Sr. Military Funeral Service
READ MORE: Volunteers Come Together for Vet's Memorial Service
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