By: Genevieve Judge
In Pocatello Friday morning, a hometown hero was finally laid to rest. Sergeant Nick Gummersall is being remembered as a friend, brother, son and hero.
Hundreds of friends and family arrived at Century High School Friday morning to pay their final respects to Sergeant Nick Gummersall. "Proud of what he did but very sad for the family and his passing. It's a hard thing to go through." Says Eldon and Gloria Peck, friends of the Gummersall family.
Sergeant Nick Gummersall's body was taken around the Century High School football field one final time before friends and family say goodbye. Eye of the Tiger played as Sergeant Gummersall's body was brought out.
The memorial service was held at the football field where he played football as a diamondback for back-to-back state titles before graduating in 2002. "Its a good send off to be on the field because that's where he loved to be is to play football." Says Cole Beebe, a friend of Sgt. Gummersall.
"Nick put his arm around our son and said this is my bud and it's an awesome experience and he was like that with everybody he never knew or met." Says Eldon and Gloria Peck.
Governor Otter along with the First Lady, Pocatello Mayor Roger Chase and Chubbuck Mayor Steve England in addition to many dignitaries from the military and close to a thousand family and friends celebrated the life of the Gate City hero. Sharing personal stories, laughter and songs.
"He was an ugly baby to everyone except mom. His bald, misshaped head was something only a mother could love." Says Casey Gummersall, Sgt. Gummersall's brother.
"He seemed to really like doing what he did. Last time I talked to him, you could just tell he was proud of it. We're going to just miss him and he was a good friend." Says Kevin Sutphin, friend of the Gummersall family.
Sergeant Gummersall is the second Century High School graduate and the second Pocatello solider to be killed fighting in the war in Iraq.
After the memorial service, a graveside service was held at Restlawn Memorial Park in Pocatello.
