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Clifford Collinsworth Obituary

Collinsworth, Clifford R. Chelsea, MI Age 20, was defending our country in Ar-Ramadi, Iraq and was killed in the line of Duty on October 21, 2006. He was born on January 22, 1986 in Ann Arbor, Michigan the son of Donald and Trisha (Steger) Collinsworth. Clifford graduated from Chelsea High School in 2004 and played football and wrestled. Six days after graduating from High School Clifford enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune , NC. He was a member of the Herbert McKune American Legion Post 31 of Chelsea and loved to be with his family and his buddies. Surviving are his parents of Chelsea, sister Melissa (Derek Eaton) Collinsworth of Chelsea, grandparents;Clifford Collinsworth of Chelsea, Mark Steger of Chelsea, Donald (Harriet) Wild of Ann Arbor, and great grandparents, Edward (Jean) Ingalls of Rochester Hills, MI. Also surviving are his aunts and uncles Jeff Steger of Chelsea, Randy (Debbie) Ellis of Chelsea, John (Carrie) Garrison of Hamburg, and Jimmy Collinsworth of Chelsea; as well as, several cousins including Jimmy Collinsworth and Jamie Westcott Collinsworth. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Norma Collinsworth in July of 2000. Funeral services will be held on Monday October 30, 2006 at 11 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home 901 N. Main, Chelsea. Burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Toys for Tots. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 with Marine Corps League 414 ceremony.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ann Arbor News from Oct. 27 to Oct. 28, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Clifford Collinsworth

Not sure what to say?





November 23, 2018

I miss you, Cliff.

GySgt Wayne Goode

May 29, 2017

Not a day goes by that you don't cross my mind. I remember all the work you and I had to do prior to you shipping to boot camp. I think we got about 30 pounds off you in about 6 weeks. Till Valhalla

Charlie Gili

December 29, 2016

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Collinsworth Family know that we recently made a small donation to Marine Corps Toys For Tots to honor Clifford R. Collinsworth US Marine Lance Corporal. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals across the American youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Cindy Jovanelly

November 7, 2016

As a country we must never forget those who gave all for our freedom. Please accept the gratitude of a stranger for your sons service and your sacrifice.
Godspeed

August 28, 2012

Still remembering and honoring the memory of Cliff Collinsworth. Blessings to his family.

Peggy Childers

October 21, 2011

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Clifford R. Collinsworth:
Please accept my remembrance of Clifford on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Peggy Childers

October 21, 2010

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Clifford R. Collinsworth:
Remembering Clifford 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

Morgan Mabe

November 11, 2009

My name is Morgan Mabe, I recently purchased a hero bracelet with Lcpl Clifford R. Collinsworth name on it. I myself have two deployed brothers and will be enlisting after school. I can't imagine life without my brothers and can't imagine the pain your family feels for his loss. I know you all think about him everyday, I as well every morning when I look at my wrist, I share the story of him every time when asked about my bracelet, his life will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever for as his life makes an impact on others everyday "to live in hearts and minds we leave behind is not to die." May God bless Michael as well as your family and may he rest in peace.

Sincerely,
Morgan Mabe

Kenna Larra

March 6, 2009

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 1,450 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,
Kenna

Tara Murillo

December 6, 2008

cliffy, you were my everything! why did you have to leave me. i wish you were still here with me. i love you more then anything. i see you again. Love Always, Tara M.

chelsea cunningham

November 10, 2008

To the family of Lance Cpl. Colinsworth:
I'm sorry for your lost it must be hard for you and your family. I'm Chelsea C. and I go to Sumner High. It's a small town in Washington. My dad used to be in the Coast Guard a long time ago, my dad was the same age as your son when he was in the Coast Guard. It's kind of scary to know that. Any way I'm sorry for your loss and I'm honored by the time he served.
Sincerely Chelsea.

In Memory of Clifford ~ (Debra Estep)

October 21, 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 Clifford, 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

Peggy Childers

October 18, 2008

To the family of Lance Cpl. Clifford R. Collinsworth:
Clifford gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

June 14, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Lance Cpl Collinsworth!

Kyle Johnson

October 4, 2007

I cant believe it has almost been a year already sense cliff's death it seems like it was just a few months ago. Trish,Ray and melissa my thoughts and prays are with you. Cliff you will never be forgotten. In my mind you where always the life of every party. We are all very proud of you. Thank you cliff for all that you have done.

August 21, 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)

August 2, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Lance Cpl Collinsworth and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Jeffrey Alber

April 9, 2007

Dear faimily of cliff,

I was in Cliff's graduating class. Cliff and I never saw eye to eye, but we gew up together. We were on the same travel basketball team before high school, and were both on the football team (until I broke my jaw and called it quits!). Although we were never best friends, Cliff's life and death left a huge impression on me. I was musing with my father about the old travel basketball days when we both used to get in trouble for pointing lazer pens at teams on the bench when we werent in the game. He never called me by my first name, I was always "Alber" in his book. It is silly little things like that that make you realize how much someone was actually a part of your life. I will always remember the way he was never scared of cracking a joke and lightening the mood of the room.

Cheers to bravery,

Jeffrey Alber

ROBYN GARSIDE

March 29, 2007

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI

A PROUD MARINE MOM

HB TOWNSEND

March 25, 2007

SEMPER FI TO THIS FALLEN MARINE. MY SORROW AND PRAYERS. A-CO 1ST BN 6TH MARINES, 2ND PLT VET 1984-1988.

David Canter

January 19, 2007

Bless you Clifford. Peace and blessings to the family.

Glen Nevogt

January 7, 2007

“Paid in Full”
In Honor of The War Against Terrorism’s Fallen and Injured Marines


Marines through and through, they paid the price
Six thousand miles away, we live the life
For which they paid with their blood, spirits and bodies
We will never forget what they paid in full

We hope and we pray that somehow their loved ones find comfort
In God, in the flag, in the memory of their loved ones’ bravery
They’re gone now but we see them still…proud, strong, willing
Covering each other’s backs… courageous, moving forward

What kind of love did they have for us to be willing
To give it all for the Black, White, Jew, Christian, Muslim?
We don’t comprehend but we honor you now and forever
You are Our Marines…some living…some not
Forever in our minds we will cherish your lives

Lives too short yet immortal they’ll be
Highest brotherhood of the few, the proud
They stand at attention, and we gaze with awe
Some know their names not, but our admiration for them
Flows limitless within us, between us

They sacrificed their limbs or their lives
Freedom still rings, a soft sound across the miles
It tolls slowly; all of creation takes note
Of the lives that were lost for people unknown

Out of sight but not lost; forever among us
The starched blues marching straight
Toward the place where we will meet them
Many years from now…how we loved them…
Well done beloved Brothers and Sisters…You’ve paid it in full
Always Faithful Marines, You Have Paid it in Full

SHIRLEY DONEY

December 22, 2006

TO MY AMERICAN HERO, GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY,

Teresa Elrod

December 3, 2006

Dear Collingsworth family,
I am the mother of LCPL Nathan Elrod who was killed along with your son in the same hummvee. My son was the gunner. I am deeply sorry for your loss and understand what you are going through. This is so hard. They are truly American Heroes and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I believe they are in Heaven together along with Nicholas who was in the same hummvee. They are our Angels. Please contact me if you want to talk.
May God comfort your family.

Teresa Elrod
Proud Marine Mom of LCPL Nathan Elrod

Barbara Bracero

December 1, 2006

Our deepest condolences to the family of one of the best Marines we have ever come upon, Lance Cpl. Clifford Collinsworth. We had the distinct honor of meeting him when our son deployed the day before Cliff did. He was a good friend who came to see his buddiess leave before him and... how hard that was for them as well as him. But he had us laughing the whole time and then hugged us when my son stepped on that bus to leave and told us he would be okay, reasuring my son he would not be far behind. I then knew what a great friend he was to our son Rob (Brac). My son is devastated at the loss of his "lil bro" as he referred to Cliff, but continues to do what he must in honor of Cliff.

Know that he will always be our Hero and never... ever to be forgotten.

We know our words can not take the pain away but we can only hope for comfort in knowing that you raised a courageous and honorable young man and good friend to many.

Lance Cpl Cliff Collinsworth you will forever be in our hearts...God Bless.

Laura Schruba

November 11, 2006

I did not know Clifford or his family, but am the proud parent of a United States Marine. Please accept my deepest, sincerest condolences and know that his sacrfice for our great country and so that others can be free is appreciated and will never be forgotten.
Semper Fi.

Pat & Lynda McCrystal

November 8, 2006

Collinsworth Family,
We are deeply sorry for the loss of your dear son. Our son is currently serving in Iraq and had met Cliff a only a few times and also expresses his sorry for your loss. We will keep you all in our thougths and prayers.

Joshua and April Morales

November 7, 2006

To Clifford's family and friends-
My family and I are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. We send our deepest empathy as we lost our Marine on 11/30/05 in Fallujah. We are comforted to know that our Marines are serving their country with such honor and bravery. We are so proud of our Marines and all of our other service men and women for all that they have done and continue to do to keep us safe and to give us the freedom we have that so many take for granted.
They are true Heroes and need to always be remembered for their selflessness and sacrifice to better our world. We will forever be united in the loss of our heros. We are so sorry for your loss and hope our words will ease some of the pain, and maybe fill some of your emptiness.
Yesterday, Today, Forever – Semper Fi - Marines!
Our sincerest gratitude for their bravery-
The family of Cpl. William "Billy" Taylor
2/6 WPNS
KIA outside of Fallujah 11/30/05

Curtis, Linda & Marquita Howard

November 7, 2006

Dear Collinsworth Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you face these difficult days ahead. Our families meet briefly at the family hour to express our support to the family. On Feb 22, 2006 we received the new's about our son SSG Curtis T. Howard II death. May each day bring you strength and comfort, although the pain will subside the loss of Clifford will be forever felt.

Sis

November 7, 2006

Cliff,
I miss you so much. It is so hard to believe you are gone. I know you are in a better place and watching over us all. I am so proud of you and I love you so much. You were the best little brother ever. We have had so much support from so many people and that really helps. You are truly a hero but most of all you are my angel. I love you!

Susan and Mark Obert

November 6, 2006

All our prayers and love go out to the family.
we will always keep Cliff in our hearts and prayers for his bravery and strength in the protection for our freedom

Claire Zawistowski

November 4, 2006

Dear Collinsworth Family,
Even though we have never met, I feel as if we are a part of a "family". My daughter's fiancee was killed in Iraq by an IED on Oct. 3, 2005. It is my prayer that you will feel God holding you as close to His heart as He has held my family this past year. May you feel His comfort and peace as you travel down this difficult road.

Ashley Renkes

November 1, 2006

I remember when Clifford would come over to my grandma and grandpa Navin's pool to swim with my family...We had some really fun times in the summer when we were all little! I didn't even know he was in the service until I heard of his death. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family...

Clifford, I thought of you when I saw the flag at half-mast...God speed old friend.

Debra Jarrell

November 1, 2006

I an very sorry for your loss,
My thoughts and prayers are with you..
Sincely
Jarrell family

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

November 1, 2006

My heartfelt sympathy to the Collinsworth family in the loss of Clifford. I did not know Clifford, 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. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Clifford you are my 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~

Shirley Davis

October 31, 2006

To the family of an American Hero, Clifford Collinsworth. As the mother of a soldier currently sering our country in Iraq, I can only imagine the pain you feel. Please know that there are those of us who are truly greatful for your son's service. Freedom isn't Free. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Douglas and Joann Blake

October 31, 2006

We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Clifford Collinsworth on your great loss. Clifford’s courage and devotion to duty are truly to be honored, and his sacrifice in defense of our country must never be forgotten. Our own son, Joseph Blake, was killed in action in Afghanistan in August, 2006. We share your grief and sorrow at this time, and our prayers are with you.

Jessica Milliken

October 31, 2006

There are no words to say to make you feel better with the loss of Cliff, but always remember you didn't lose his spirit or your memories of him. God bless you Collinsworth family!

Kolette Woloszynek

October 30, 2006

To the family of USMC Lance Cpl. Clifford Collinsowrth:

My heartfelt condolences over the loss of your brave, precious son. We live in Ohio, but I have family in Chelsea and my son is a U.S. Marine and an Iraq veteran who also patrolled the streets in the Al Anvar Province. I truly feel a personal loss every time a Marine is killed. Please know that you are not alone. Be forever proud.

Lori Mull

October 30, 2006

My heart and prayers are with you and yours. May you always stand tall, be proud and keep the faith! Please know that the Marine Family will always be here for you! God Bless You!
Semper Fidelis -
Lori Mull

Frank & Donna Grodis

October 30, 2006

Dear family of Lance Cpl. Clifford R. Collinsworth their are no words to express the sorrow I feel in my heart for the loss of your son. My son is also currtently in Iraq and I pray to God everyday to keep them all safe and bring peace into the hearts of men.No one should have to go through this, how can we thank you and your son for his sacrifice. Now he is a soldier in heaven. May his memories sustain you until you all meet again.
Donna
VPMM OF Jesse
IRAQ

Kyle Walker

October 30, 2006

Cliff, Hope your in a better place now! You were a great person and friend. You gave your life for the the things you believed in, I'll never forget you brother.
KDUB

Sheila Gay

October 29, 2006

Hi Donald Ray and Trisha,
So sorry to hear about your son Clifford. I am sure you are proud of your son being a U.S. Marine. May your memories of him be of great value to you in this time of your walking down this path of lossing a son. Remembering when our family loss our brother Leo Borders in the line of duty, we were all at a loss, may your love and comfort from each other be of great strength to you.
Your cousin, Sheila & (Byron) Gay

Bob & Cera Osterhout

October 29, 2006

There are no words to express our deepest sympathy at the loss of your son. The sacrifice that you and your son has made can never be realized by anyone but your family. We are truly sorrowful for your loss

Lindsey Miller

October 27, 2006

Cliff,
It's so hard to believe that you are gone, I'm going to miss you so much. We had a lot of good times together and I will never forget you. Lots of Love,
Lindsey

GySgt Wayne Goode

October 27, 2006

You will stay in my heart Marine. It is always hard when we lose a Marine, but you were special. Semper Fi.

Michael Butler, MSG, US Army (Ret)

October 27, 2006

Cliff, may God keep you in His sheltering arms and your family in His everlasting love. Attention on deck! Another Marine has gone home. Guard the streets of Heaven well, Nephew; guard them well. Semper Fi, Marine.

Michael Butler, MSG, US Army (Ret)

October 27, 2006

Cliff, may God keep you in His sheltering arms and your family in His everlasting love. Attention on deck! Another Marine has gone home. Guard the streets of Heaven well, Nephew; guard them well. Semper Fi, Marine.

Paula Zasadny

October 26, 2006

To Mr & Mrs Collinsworth,

I am so sorry for your loss. I know at this point these words don't help your pain. I want you to know that I share your pain. I lost my brave little soldier, SPC Holly McGeogh in Iraq on January 31, 2004. I know your pain, your emptiness, and I am so very sorry that you have to go through this. Your Very Brave Son is a Hero and we will NEVER FORGET HIM and his sacrifice for this great nation. I know first hand that there are no words I can possibly say to take away your pain, but I do know what you are going through. I also want you to know that if there is anything, anything at all that I can do for you I am here. If you want to talk, cry, or whatever you need I am here for you. My husband left our phone number with the writer from the Chelsea newspaper. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Paula Zasadny
Very Proud Mother of Fallen SPC Holly McGeogh KIA Iraq 01/31/04.

Don Elseroad

October 25, 2006

In recognition of Lance Corporal Clifford R. Collinsworth's Honorable Service in the United States Marine Corps, the Tri-Cities Tennessee, Detachment Number 969 of the Marine Corps League would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude for his service to God, Country and Corps as well as our sincere condolences to his family.

SEMPER FIDELIS

Don Elseroad
Junior Vice Commandant
MCL Detachment #969

Lee Sirotnak

October 25, 2006

Please accept our condolences for your loss, our prayers that you find peace and comfort in our Lord, and our thanks for the sacrifice that your Marine, Clifford, made for our country. I hope that you find comfort in knowing that there are many Marine families keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Semper Fi.

Gary Allain

October 25, 2006

Lance Cpl. Clifford R. Collinsworth
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

Renee Owens

October 25, 2006

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Hero, and my sincere thanks for his service. May God grant you peace.

The Land of the Free, Because of the Brave

In memory of PFC Chase Edwards, USMC
3/8 Weapons
KIA 4-6-06

Garnet Jenkins

October 25, 2006

My deepest sympathy to the family of Lance Cpl. Clifford R. Collinsworth, with a multitude of Thanks for this Young Hero's Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom.
Rest Safely Clifford, in God's Care and know that you shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May God's Loving Grace and Comfort be with the Collinsworth family.
I am the Sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago

Surely He hath borne our grief, and carried our sorrow.
Isaiah 53:4

May you find comfort and strength, in the beautiful memories of times you spent with Clifford.
Quietly and gently, may healing come, with each new day.
You are in my prayers.

October 25, 2006

My condolences to the Collinsworth family, we share your great loss.
Lance Cpl. Collinsworth may you rest in peace, Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice.

"And he will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand."

Jack Colnot and Family
(Sgt. Kyle A. Colnot, KIA 22 April 2006, Iraq)
email [email protected]

October 25, 2006

To the Family of Lance Cpl. Clifford R. Collinsworth:
If your child can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 as well and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for right now. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten . You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

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Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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Ways to honor Clifford Collinsworth's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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