Ray Lines was drafted into the Army to serve in World War I. An explosive shell killed him on
September 18, 1918 and his burial took place in Salida, Colorado in 1922.
Salida held a military funeral on April 23, 1922 in honor of Ray Lines. It was a grand affair, complete with
band, color guard, pastors and pallbearers, military veterans and enlisted men, army nurses, a firing squad, and of course, mourners. There were American flags posted everywhere. The entire town gathered at Riverside Park, then marched up to the undertaker’s on 1st Street to collect the casket. A service was held at the Presbyterian Church (which was then on the corner of 3rd & F) and afterwards, the casket, with escort, and the huge crowd proceeded to Fairview Cemetery. Ray was given full military honors, complete with the playing of Taps and a firing squad salute at his graveside.
This image is from the Bob Pierce Collection.