Local Marine’s funeral procession will close 30 miles of interstate today

Photo by Ben Kaiser

Schmitz’s remains transported in a Humvee with escorts.

Ben Kaiser, News Editor

The Missouri Highway Patrol will close 30 miles of interstates this Thursday afternoon, starting at 2 p.m.

Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, 20, was flown in last week, closing 12 miles of Interstate 70 westbound, starting from the Lambert airport in St. Louis. The highway was lined with American flags and parked cars, showing respect for the fallen Marine.

Today’s route for Schmitz’s procession will start from Baue Funeral Home. From there, his remains will be escorted eastbound on I-70, southbound on I-270, and then eastbound on I-255. The procession will end at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery, where Schmitz’s funeral and burial will be held.

Map was provided by Google Maps

Missouri Governor Mike Parson has ordered flags to half staff today. Both Missouri House and the Missouri Senate held moments of silence yesterday.

The funeral and burial will be private for Schmitz’s family and friends. Schmitz was killed along with 12 other U.S. service members in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan.

Baue Funeral Home was covered with American flags for Schmitz’s arrival last week. (Photo by Ben Kaiser)