Private First Class Roosevelt 'Jack' Clark was laid to rest Friday, 62 years after he was reported missing.
It was a funeral filled not with tears but smiles from family who are so happy the Korean War veteran is home.
One last time Roosevelt Clark was driven through the streets of Bakersfield. Clark's remains were escorted by a Patriot Guard on his way to the church to a funeral, that's been a long time coming.
Clark dropped out of Bakersfield High School his junior year to join the army. Nine months later he was reported missing.
Six decades later the military identified his remains bringing him home to Bakersfield.
"This is a good day for Bakersfield, Kern County and the extended family of Clark," said Leon Thomas, a Korean War veteran.
Family spoke of the boy they called Jack.
"He would give his last if he had a dime you had a nickel but most of all he could make me laugh on the time," said Rennie Hunter, Clark's Cousin.
Strangers thanked him for his service.
"I didn't know him but he was one of our brothers and he's finally come home to rest god bless him we'll all miss him," said Gerald Matthews, a Korean War veteran.
Then a surprise. Clark's best friend from high school showed up.
"I was the guy that everything I did he wanted to do. I played football. He wanted to play football. I went into the army. He went into the army," said Earl McFadden, Clark's best friend.
Mcfadden has been waiting for years for Clark to return.
"It's good he's home well overdue," said McFadden.
Back to the cemetery it was time settle Clark into his final resting place with a salute they played taps.
The Honor Guard folding the flag that covered Clark's casket handing it over to Clark's first cousin. The family then released 62 doves one for each year Clark was missing.
Clark is buried on the Hill of Valor across the cemetery from his parents.
