Hundreds mark funeral of Winchester native killed in Iraq

By the Associated Press

Published April 19, 2003

WINCHESTER, Va. — Under a gray sky Saturday, hundreds of people–many holding flags–lined the roads from Berryville to Winchester to pay tribute as Lance Cpl. David Edward Owens Jr. came home for the last time.

Only a week ago, Owens was half a world away on the streets of Baghdad. During a firefight there last Saturday, he received the chest wound that claimed his life.

He was the fifth Virginian to die during the war in Iraq, and the third Virginia Marine.

On Saturday, Owens was entombed in a mausoleum at Shenandoah Memorial Park in Winchester. His casket was carried by members of a ceremonial platoon from the Marine Corps base at Quantico.

Owens received full military honors as members of the Marine Guard fired their rifles outside the tomb and a bugler played “Taps.”

James and Erica Dutterer of Winchester held American flags as they stood outside the mausoleum. The couple said they didn’t know the Owens family. They came to show support.

“We have a son in the military. We just wanted to show our respect,” said Erica Dutterer.

Owens graduated from Winchester’s James Wood High School in 2000. He wanted to become a state trooper and joined the Marines to pursue that goal.