CENTRAL NEW YORK -- The streets surrounding the Cheche Funeral Home were lined with cars Friday evening and the doors were lined with flags, all to pay tribute to one fallen Marine.
Sergeant Jerome Bell Jr., or Little Jerry to his family, was killed in Afghanistan last week. Bell previously served twice in Iraq before this tour in Afghanistan.
"He got out of the service, was home for a year and decided he wanted to go back, so he did. ‘Cause he had other family there. I mean, the other Marines are all a big family and he came from a big family and he wanted to go back and he did," said Bell's uncle John Bell.
While he was overseas, Bell had the support of his friends and family. He leaves behind a wife and three small children, whom his family say meant the world to him.
The body of a fallen Marine from Auburn was laid to rest this weekend. Sergeant Jerome Bell Jr. was killed last Friday in Afghanistan. His body returned home Friday and family and friends held calling hours. Our Katie Morse has more.
"Every time he was home, he spent the time with them. We'd get together with them, have a big party and he loved his kids," said Bell.
Outside the funeral home, about 75 Patriot Guard members created a flag line. They say support for this fallen Marine has been overwhelming.
"He had a lot of friends. I had gotten a lot of emails," said Pat Christensen, a Patriot Guard member. "Very loved. When we went by his school, they had stopped the procession, all the kids were out. It's touching. It's really touching."
Family members say they appreciate the community outreach and want the people to remember two things about Sergeant Bell.
"Just that he was a great guy and loved his country," said Bell.
Funeral services for Sergeant Bell were held Saturday at St. Mary's Church on Clark Street in Auburn.