Farewell, Air Force SSgt Joseph Weems

GAINES TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - Family and friends gathered to say goodbye to Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph Weems, who died in Germany just days before his enlistment was complete.

Funeral services were held at Cornerstone Church in Gaines Township on Friday. Members of the military provided an official entourage.

Weems, who graduated from Byron Center High School in 2005, was 24.

Described as "absolutely hilarious" and the one "who always wanted to make sure that everyone was taken care of" by family members after the service, Weems was also honored by the Patriot Guard riders.

He was a member of the 86th Maintenance Squadron assigned to Ramstein Air Base in Germany. He was struck by a train as he bicycled at an unguarded railroad crossing several miles from the base, and was wearing headphones.

His flight back to the United States was booked for the following Monday and his personal effects were already shipped.

This past Monday, people lined the streets of Byron Center to welcome his body back home. On this day, the Patriot Guard stood watch with flags to honor his service.

Weems leaves behind siblings Amanda Elliott, Lindsey Weems and Tyler Weems; parents Jim and Betsy Weems; and fiancee Angela Mamelka.