Thousands bid Cpl. Nick Roush farewell

MIDDLEVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) - Cpl. Nick Roush will forever be remembered as Middleville's hometown hero.

Hundreds of mourners attended the 22-year-old's 2 1/2-hour funeral and then the burial to say their final goodbyes to the fallen soldier Tuesday.

"(The service) reflected the love that people have for him," said Krista Beach, one of Roush's former teachers.

Middleville's First Baptist Church was so crowded, some had to stand. Other attendees spilled into a gymnasium to pay their respects.

There were almost 20 readings, loving tributes and tearful goodbyes.

Even before the service began, the parking lot of the church was packed with mourners.

"He's just a beautiful kid," said Kelly Bishop, Roush's uncle. "He had a wonderful smile, and (his) personality was great; you just loved to be around him."

Roush was killed Aug. 16 in Herat, Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was laid to rest with full military honors.

Roush believed in this country and its freedom wholeheartedly, Bishop said.

"He wanted to serve his country, and he's a hero," he added. "We're all very proud. Very proud."

While the funeral procession moved from the church to Mt. Hope Cemetery, the Barry County Sheriff's Department shut down M-37.

Flags lined the stretch, paving the way for friends, family and even people who had never met Roush. Connection to the fallen soldier was irrelevant. On Tuesday, the community joined hands to remember Roush and celebrate his life.

Veterans and citizens stood along the roadside waving American flags in his honor.

"It's a blessing for all of us to be out here and support him," attendee Samantha Flippo said.

Support came from all directions. Mourner Jan Gillisse spoke of her gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice Roush made.

"My nephew died on April 25, '06," Gillisse said. "And the patriot guards came out to honor him and it made such an impression on our family. That, that was the beginning."

Roush's friends and family made it clear he never will be forgotten.

"Corporal Nicholas Ryan Roush ... our friend. Until we see you in that better place, that we know you are (in) now, goodbye, brother," one of his Army friends said.

Said Roush's grandfather, Pastor Robert Roush I: "I am so proud to have Nicky as my grandson. But I'm equally proud of my son, who has shown such strength in the darkest hours of our family."

Roush is survived by his parents, Bob and Donna, and his brothers, Bobby and Kyle.

He was engaged to be married to Kaleigh Page. In a letter to his fiance, he wrote, "If I return to you draped in a flag..." and then later, "God has a plan for both of us."