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Residents asked to line U.S. 281 March 15 when Marble Falls soldier’s body returns home

MARBLE FALLS — Residents are asked to line U.S. 281 north of Lake Marble Falls about 12:30 p.m. March 15 to pay their respects as a fallen paratrooper comes home.

The airplane carrying the body of Army Pfc. Payton Jones is scheduled to land at the Horseshoe Bay airport at noon, officials said. His remains will then be transported to Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281.

Officials estimate the procession will arrive at the 281 bridge around 12:30 p.m.

“I think lining the road isn’t just a way to honor Pfc. Jones, but to honor all the men and women who are defending our country,” said Marble Falls Independent School District board President Rick Edwards. “And we need to show our respect to the man who gave the ultimate sacrifice defending us.”

Jones, 19, died March 1 in Afghanistan when two members of the Afghan security force and an Afghan civilian turned their weapons on him and Staff Sgt. Jordan Bear, 25, of Denver, killing both soldiers. The two men were assigned to the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Team, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, N.C.

Jones’ services are scheduled for 2 p.m. March 17 at the Marble Falls High School auditorium, 2101 Mustang Drive.

The 19-year-old graduated from the high school in 2010.

Officials are asking that the United States and state flags be flown at half-staff that day.

editor@thepicayune.com