Services mix ceremony with celebration
BY SUZANNE LOUDAMY Staff writer

Sgt. Samuel E. Kelsey was laid to rest following a hero's goodbye given by friends, family and total strangers on Dec. 21. Hundreds gathered at the First Baptist Church of Troup to eulogize this 24-year-old son of Denina Kelsey.

U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert spoke to the standingroom only crowd about what being a hero really means. Gohmert said it's not about throwing a football or running fast, it's about who you are deep within and what you do for others without regard to your own safety.

"That's just what Sgt. Kelsey did," Gohmert said.

"God gave a gift to this mother, to Troup, Texas, and to America," Gohmert said. "We don't like that we only had him for such a short time."

Gohmert read from Romans 13: 3-4, "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same. For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."

Photo/Suzanne Loudamy Denina Kelsey receives the flag that was draped over her son's coffin. The Troup graduate died in Iraq while trying to save the life of a fellow soldier, and hundreds turned out Friday to attend the services or to pay tribute to Sgt. Kelsey by lining the streets and displaying flags. The Patriot Guard and a Welcome Home Soldiers group formed a ring of honor at the burial. See more photos, page 12A.

Speaking directly to Ms. Kelsey, Gohmert said, "He was making a difference in the world. Thank you for sharing Sam with the world."

Ms. Kelsey spoke to those in attendance to express her love for her son Sam and thank them for showing so much love and compassion.

"Live for him. Smile for him," Ms. Kelsey said. "He was and always will be with us and you are all his family."

Bro. Mike Jeter shared a scripture reading from John 15:9, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love."

Jeter said as he prepared his words for the service he prayed to God for guidance on what to say. He, too, conveyed the message of love that Kelsey had for others, much like the love of God.

Sgt. Sam Kelsey of Troup was laid to rest with full military honors Friday. At his family's request, the fallen soldier was escorted by the Patriot Guard, as well as several local police and fire department personnel. The streets of Troup and the entrance to Pinecrest Cemetery, were lined with members of the Guard, Welcome Home Soldiers of Tyler and other individuals who turned out to pay their respects.

"Ms. Kelsey, I can't tell you that I know how you feel," Jeter said. "I've never lost a child. But I can tell you God has told me to tell you that He knows how you feel. He too lost a son to save others."

The streets of Troup were lined with young and old alike, standing proudly amid large and small American flags to honor the fallen solider.

The Patriot Guard Riders, along with various law enforcement units, led the procession to Pinecrest Cemeter y where Kelsey was interned.

More Patriot Guard members and the Welcome Home Soldiers group of Tyler stood watch as full military honors were bestowed.

Photos/Suzanne Loudamy Charlotte Smith