Dillard Darwin Howery, of Paducah, born in Westhope, ND on October 9, 1922.
The McCracken County Coroner's Office is partnering with the McCracken County Sheriff's Department to provide a graveside service honoring the life of Dillard Howery, a man found buried on a Broyles Avenue property in December of 2025.
The community is invited to attend the service at Mount Kenton Cemetery at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Howery, having served in the United States Navy during WWII, will receive full military honors.
According to a news release from the coroner's office, the service is meant to ensure that Howery is laid to rest with "the dignity and respect he deserves."
"Every individual deserves to be remembered with dignity and respect," Coroner Amanda Melton said in the release. "It is our hope that this service not only honors Mr. Howery's life and military service, but also reflects the compassion of a community that comes together in even the most difficult circumstances."
While the circumstances surrounding Howery's death were tragic, this gathering intends to focus on compassion, reflection and remembrance, the release continued.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home, Wilbert Vault Company, Mt. Kenton Cemetery and J.W. Reynolds Monument Company donated to help make the tribute possible.
