KBIA

Columbia Soldier Laid to Rest COLUMBIA, MO (KBIA) - Community members, friends and family gathered in Columbia today for the funeral of a local soldier who died in Iraq. Specialist Steven Fitzmorris was laid to rest this afternoon at Memorial Park Cemetary. He was wounded last week while on patrol in Iraq and died later. Fitzmorris is the first soldier from central Missouri to die in the Iraq War. Friends and family say Fitzmorris loved his job as a soldier and the public showing of support would have been something he loved, and more than he expected. 19-year-old Jonathan Baker is Specialist Fitzmorris's brother-in-law and says Fitzmorris was a brother and a good example to him.

He was a real good person and he loved my sister and his kids. He was an overall good man. I look to him kind of like an idol.

Members of the Patriot Guard Riders stood by with flags and escorted family and friends to the burial site. The Patriot Guard are motorcyclists who come to military funerals in support of soldiers' families. Robert Smith of Foley, Missouri says the riders also want to honor fallen soldiers.

I'm from Vietnam Era and I remember how the Vietnam era soldiers were treated when they came back. So, I figured the soldiers now certainly don't deserve that. Now, I'm learning it's respect for the family and respect for the soldier and unfortunately KIAs like the specialist here.

Fitzmorris was 26 years old. He is survived by his wife and two young children, as well as parents, siblings, and friends.
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