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Blain Ebert Obituary
Danekas Funeral Home
Ebert, Blain Matthew, Army Specialist, age 22, died November 22, 2004, in Baghdad, Iraq, when enemy forces engaged his unit with small arms fire.
Specialist Ebert was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Blain Matthew Ebert was born March 30, 1982, in Colfax, WA. He was raised in Washtucna and graduated from Washtucna High School in 2001.
Blain was a member of the FFA, Boy Scouts of America and Washtucna Youth Group. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling.
He joined the United States Army at the age of 18.
He graduated from basic training at Fort Sill, OK, in September of 2001, transferring to Fort Hood Texas shortly after. Blain married Shilanta Harris May 30 2003.
Blain was dedicated to serving his country through military service. He re-enlisted for an additional five years in October of 2004.
He is survived by his wife, Shilanta Ebert; mother, Lucy Ebert of Auburn, WA; father, Michael Ebert and wife, Karen of Washtucna; brother, Tim Ebert and wife Melissa of Atlanta, Georgia; sisters, Melissa Ebert of Moses Lake, Jennifer Camp and husband, Justin of Ephrata and Elizabeth Ebert of Moses Lake.
A celebration of Blain's life will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2004, at 1 p.m. at the Washtucna High School Gymnasium.
The family suggest memorial contributions be made to the Specialist Blain Ebert Memorial Fund C/O Bank of Whitman, P.O. Box 623, Washtucna, WA 99371.
Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Blain Ebert
William L Peterson
May 25, 2025
Memorial Day 2025 will be here on Monday. I know right? It has been forever. I regularly drop you a line at the Fallen Heroes Memorial website and even looked up your grave recently. I just read the story they did on you for your loss of life in Iraq. They said you were always ready to give. I don't think they know half of what you accomplished, that is often overlooked in the grand scheme of things with big Army. Anyway, I'll stop before this gets long. Thanks for being who you were and making life in Alpha and on A14 so much better. You deserved that "Hero of the battle" more than I ever did. Picture left to right is SSG William Peterson, SPC Blain Ebert, and Lorenzo Gallegos.
William Szych
November 22, 2017
I did not know him but I was serving in Iraq at the same time. I saw his picture today on a Twitter account in remembrance of the fallen. We must never forget his sacrifice and those of all others. May he rest in eternal peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.
James Evermann
November 9, 2017
On this Veteran's Day weekend 2017, I wanted to express my sorrow to the Ebert Family for the loss of Blain Matthew. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you all.
July 1, 2015
I'm sending My condolences to the Ebert family, sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in Gods word. Micah 4:3,4
Terry Brown
June 20, 2013
I had the pleasure of serving with Ebert in Iraq. He was a great soldier and was always there to help me out when i needed him. He is greatly missed
J C
June 20, 2013
Blain,
I wish I could have known you! As I'm writing this, I feel a complete sense of compassion, gratitude, sincerity, and humbleness as I write this. I have had the pleasure of meeting two of the most amazing human beings known to this planet. I cry as I write this, because I can only wish you were here to know the legacy that you left behind. Those two people are your parents........Mike and Karen....Blain....I can only hope that one day I will be able to meet you. To thank you...not only for the sacrifice that you made here....but for the amazing gift that you left me with. Your parents have one of the best gifts they could have instilled you with.....and that my brother...is unadulterated love!!! Had it not been for your ultimate sacrifice...I doubt I would have ever met your parents. I met them on a "happenstance" trip that I took. I only say "happenstance", because I believe that it was GOD who brought them to me.....or me to them....(still haven't figured that out... :-)....) They are my second parents now. They have loved me and I them, as a son would love his parents. I consider myself their "second son" and all I can say in honor of you and them is.....Thank You! You have changed my life and those I hold dear as well. Your sacrifice is not only endeared by this country as a whole, but endeared by one who wishes nothing more than to thank you for leading me to my "second parents". I Love You! Thank You!.....Hoping to see you one day! -J
December 25, 2012
In memory of Blaine Ebert-Christmas 2012.
mike ebert
November 21, 2012
not a day goes by i don't think and miss you it's been eight years now and it still hurt's i love you and miss you dad
SACRIFICE
Todd Adams
November 24, 2010
Peggy Childers
November 22, 2010
To the family and friends of Spc. Blain M. Ebert:
Remembering Blain on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Shane Hammond
December 19, 2009
Blain,
It has been many years harboring the thoughts, memories, feeling inside. I will never forget that day nor any other day. Family and freedom is all taken for granted until it is freedom that breaks up the family. You are my cousin and a friend as well as a soldier, MY HERO. It is almost funny thinking you and my brother were too enlist into the buddy program. To you it was more than a war, it was a campaign to better the children in Iraq. I would hear stories of him giving candy and food, not wanting care packages for himself but for them. For child of the father that took his life. And yet this war has been forgotten. It is not over nor will it ever be forgotten. A soldier, sailor, airmen, marine, and all those in the armed forces have continued to lay down their lives for our right to live free. I cry everytime I think of him and wonder if I am doing MY PART. I continue to SERVE MY COUNTRY so that my family will be free. It is a constant reminder of what it take to live in a country that allows those to protest OUR actions. So I will continue my service for many years to come. Let all of those who have died in combat rest in piece, WE HAVE THE WATCH.
Lynne Cordier
November 9, 2009
I think of Blain often. I remember a young man selling Cutco Cutlery. I knew Blain from going to school with his Aunts and Uncle. I bought a knife from him and now every time I use that knife I think of the sacrifice he made along with many others. He definitely knew how to have fun! What a guy! Lynne Cordier Spokane
Kenna Larra
August 11, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,660 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Mike Norris
May 17, 2009
I knew blain from a distance. I was in a different platoon, but knew him well enough to know that if a practical joke had been played he was likely involved. He kept a smile on the faces of all around him. He will be missed.
WILLIAM WILLIAMSON
December 11, 2008
"GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN HE WHO GIVES HIS LIFE FOR A FRIEND". FREEDOM IS OUR GIFT FROM YOU SPC., THANKS SO MUCH FOR THAT GIFT BLAIN. REST IN PEACE HERO, YOUR MISSON IS DONE.
CSM W.H.WILLIAMSON
Ron & Jeannie Tolle
December 8, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. We remain free because of Blain and others like him. I am so sorry that your family is going through this. Our grandson was killed this year in Anbar, Iraq. It is the worst pain a family can have. I hope your memories of Blain have brought you comfort and has eased your pain. I just want you to know that he is an American Hero and will never be forgotten. God bless all of you.
In loving memory of our grandson
Pfc. Aaron J. Ward
4/28/89 - kia 5/6/2008
170th Military Police
Ft. Lewis, Washington
Safely Home
Michael Iezzi
December 8, 2008
Father we entrust our brother Blain to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Blain in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathies.
SHIRLEY DONEY
December 7, 2008
REST IN PEACE SPC. EBERT, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
December 7, 2008
Rest in peace.
In Memory of Blain ~ (Debra Estep)
November 22, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Blain, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
April 21, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Ebert!
James Buscampell
November 21, 2007
Ebert, I just want to let you know that i think about you and our last moment together everyday. I share the story of that day to anyone who will listen, that way people will know the noble sacrifice you made for us. I try to honor your memory everyday I spend in the Army. I love you brother...James Buscampell
Elizabeth Martin
October 12, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many good times are going through my head, i missed so many times not being able to talk to you, and there was so many times that i found my self wondering if you were doing good and how was marriage going for you, i wish we could of kept in contact, you were a great person, and really understanding, thank you for being there for me when i needed someone to talk to. I am happy you are in a better place, and one day we will see each other again.
August 13, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 14, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Ebert and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Le Ann Straehle
May 26, 2007
I remember the young man who sat in my history classes, making jokes and clowning around. I have such great memories that make me laugh and smile. I spent just four years teaching in Washtucna, but it has touched my life forever, just as you and your family have. I thank you, miss you and pray for the others fighting in Iraq.
Kyle Franck
April 11, 2007
Blaine,
Not a day goes bye that I don't think about you. I know that it has been a while since we last saw each other, but not a day goes bye where I don't see you. I remember the last time. What I wouldn't have done to know it would be your time. I guess we kind of knew it would happen, but it is always too late to say goodbye until it happens. Just know that the good times stay with me and that I regret not telling you how much you affected my life. Always in my prayers,
Kyle Franck
William Peterson
March 18, 2007
Blaine was a member of the best bradley crew a guy could ever ask for. When we first met I wasn't sure we would be able to be the friends we turned out to be. He was my friend, and my brother and I miss him dearly. You cannot imagine the good times we had and the moments of sorrow we shared. I am enclosing a picture of us as a crew at Ft Hood, Texas, I wish I could have remained with him during the deployment but I was moved to another Battery anf MEDEVAC'd before he was killed. I was crushed when i heard and so wanted to go to the funeral but was recovering. He was one of my best friends. Oh, I guess it cost money to add photos and at the moment I do not have that, I apologize feel free to contact me to obtain it,
Garnet Jenkins
November 21, 2006
Paying tribute to this Fine Young Soldier, Spc. Blain M. Ebert, on the 2nd anniversary of the day, he gave his life for our Country and for Freedom.
A Multitude of Thanks, for his Courage, Dedication and Service.
Rest In Peace Young Hero, in God's Loving Care and may God's Healing Grace and Comfort continue to be with the Ebert family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
My brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.
Hoping you continue to feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you each day, as this Country remembers someone very precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Elizabeth Ebert
November 13, 2006
Blain, I know you are in a better place, although it doesn't make the days any better. I miss our fights, our wrestling around the house. Breaking the front door and fixing it but using the wrong color paint. I Miss You and Think of you every day and know that you are looking down on us. I love You.
Love Your Little Sister
Laura Cameron
September 10, 2006
To the family and friends
I have only just begun this journey and may not have known your loved one personally.
I extend to you my deepest condolences. No words will ever express the grief those close to this lost treasure are feeling. I can only say that I can share this grief as I too lost a loved one July 8, 2006. I will continue to pray for the safety of our soldiers and especially the family and friends of our lost hero’s. I only hope the memories will carry us through. I will continue pray that you also will believe and know that our heavenly father will not give us more than we can handle.
As always I read (and cry) through the memorials of our lost hero’s, So many people have already expressed the things I would also say. I am amazed and take comfort that so many people care. I can only thank you for the sacrifice you and especially Blain have made to protect our country. As others have said “I am only an email away.” I would be honored if you so choose to share about this fine hero.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Laura Cameron
(CPL Joseph P Micks KIA 7/8/2006 Ramadi, Iraq)
Tim Gugliuzza-Smith
March 28, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Ebert family in the loss of Blain. I did not know Blain, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Blain my heart was touched by what was written about you. It has been 16 months since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Todd Adams
July 5, 2005
Blain, I also grew up in South Eastern Washington State. I can imagine that Washtucna, and the wheat fields you called home.
I mourn your loss, and I am thankful,and respectful of the task you were involved in.
I am sure God was pleased with your benevolent efforts to help the Iraqi children.
Rest in Peace my Washington Brother.
Todd
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