Funeral Procession for World War II Veteran Who Died in Pearl Harbor Attacks

DOWNTOWN ZANESVILLE, Ohio- This Monday, an American hero is making their long anticipated return to their hometown of Zanesville 80 years in the making. The American hero in discussion is Seaman 1st Class Russell Clyde Roach who was born in 1919 and was Zanesville’s first casualty in World War II.

He died fighting for our country when he was aboard the U.S.S Oklahoma when it was struck in the attacks on Pearl Harbor. He will make his return to Zanesville from John Glenn International Airport to the DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home in downtown Zanesville via a motorcade escort from the Patriot Guard Riders, local police and fire departments, and the funeral home and Roach’s family.

The procession will be traveling I-70 East to Route 40/Main Street through town to South 5th Street, arriving at DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home, 56 South 5th Street Zanesville, OH 43701.

“And we should arrive back in Zanesville approximately 7:45-8:15PM. So we invite everyone to come out, line up on the streets, and bring your flags to support bringing home Mr.Roach,” Kenneth Bonnell, a funeral director at DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home stated.

It’s a miraculous occasion that’s been a long time coming. Given the length of time between Pearl Harbor and now, the family and funeral home is happy to be able to bring Mr.Roach back home where he can truly rest in peace. 

“It’s an amazing thing to bring someone that’s been gone 80 years back to their hometown. And the community we have an outpour of support from the community, all the veterans groups, and the mayor, and we’re hoping state representative Balderson will be able to make it,” Bonnell said.

If you are unable to join the welcoming procession Monday evening, there will be a graveside service on Wednesday, August 11 at 11:00 a.m. at the Greenwood Cemetery where people can pay their respects.