Supporters stand as family during Columbia veteran's funeral

COLUMBIA — A Columbia veteran without a family was laid to rest Friday. 61-year-old David Lee Brunk died of his injuries during an accident on Old Highway 63 on February 2.

Members of a veterans’ support group called Warrior Watch Riders and other veteran supporters stood in as Brunk’s family members during funeral services. Brunk served in the United States Army for 5 years and earned the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal. Veteran supporters said it is sad when someone in the military dies with no family mourners.

Warrior Watch Riders Founder Reed Hickam said, “If you’re military, you have family. It doesn’t matter what branch of military you were in, you have a military family. The military family will be there for them.”

Members of the Warrior Watch Riders cancelled Friday’s motorcycle escort to Jacksonville, Missouri for Brunk’s burial because of snowy conditions. They rescheduled the escort for Monday weather permitting.