Howell, Edwards, Doerksen Funeral Home and Dignity Memorial are privileged to honor 2 homeless/unclaimed veterans through the Dignity Memorial Homeless Veteran Burial Program.

Army Veteran, Ronny Dean Rattray, served during Vietnam. He received an honorable discharge earning the rank of Private. He passed away on February 12, 2016 at the age of 71.

Army Veteran, Richard Lawrence Hill, served during Vietnam. He received an honorable discharge earning the rank of Specialist. He passed away on January 31, 2016 at the age of 70.

Both Veterans will be honored with a public memorial service on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 3:00 pm at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen Funeral Home, 1350 Commercial Street SE, Salem, Oregon. Committal services with Military Honors will be on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at Willamette National Cemetery 11800 SE Mount Scott Blvd. Portland, Oregon. Mr. Rattray at 10:30 am and Mr. Hill at 11:00 am. Participants include: Chaplain Bob Weinberger (Army Veteran), Flag Recipient Ron McFadden (USAF Retired, Vietnam), American Legion Post 180 (Milwaukie), Patriot Guard Riders, Veterans Color Guard (Jefferson, OR) and Oregon Military Funeral Honors.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend these services to help us honor our nations heroes; Veterans who have no family to pay a final tribute. A guest book will be available in the funeral home lobby starting Thursday, March 31st for those who wish to pay their respects.

Questions regarding the services or the Dignity Memorial Homeless Veteran Burial Program may be directed to Mindy Barella at (503) 581-3911.