Homecoming: Cpl. Raymond Barker (USMC) Comes Home to Delavan, Wisconsin, After 75 Years

From the May 16, 2019, Hi-Liter "Homecoming:  World War II soldier returned to Delavan, Wisconsin, for burial 75 years after death" by Vicky Wedig.

Raymond Barker was just 22-years-old when he left for war in 1943 as a U.S. Marine.

He was from Delavan and listed as missing in action in 1943, but DNA analysis had identified his remains which arrived in Milwaukee and went hearse from Delavan overpasses were decorated welcoming him home.    The Patriot Guard Riders accompanied them.

Service was held at Betzer Funeral Home and entire schools turned out.  Family members from all over the United States came.

Hazel Barker never knew what happened to her son and she never got over it.  For many years the family believed that his tank sank in the Pacific Ocean without making it to shore.  Research showed Barker's tank had made it to shore and an interview with Joe Woolum, who was sitting next to Barker in the tank in the battle and found out the crew had to abandon the tank and few made it back to shore.

The Barkers were told only that their son was missing in action and a star hung on their front door symbolizing a MIA soldier.  When his parents died, that MIA Star was placed next to their grave.  On May 5, 2019, the body of their son replaced that star.

He was buried at Spring Grove Cemetery where he is buried next to his parents.

I wish the article had said what battle Corp. Barker died at (probably Tarawa) or where Spring Grove Cemetery was.  (Possibly Spring Grove Cemetery in Spring Grove, Illinois?)

Welcome Home, Corporal.  --GreGen