Alan Light / CC
Eighty-one years ago today, Seaman 1st Class Houston Temples of Varnado died when Pearl Harbor was attacked. His remains were finally identified and today he will be buried in Bogalusa. His niece Shirley Temples Hayman recalls a letter he sent home while he served in the Navy.
“At the bottom of the page, I never shall forget, he said momma, momma don’t worry about me, I’m serving my country,” said Hayman.
Hayman who was only five months old when her uncle was killed, said when the Navy offered to have his remains buried in his home state and it was her son who suggested having his funeral on this significant day.
“And so, my son, Joseph said why don’t we do it on Pearl Harbor Day?”
Hayman and family members are extremely proud of Temples’ military service, and they are very grateful to be able to honor his memory in Louisiana.
“It’s just been an amazing journey. A wonderful time of knowing that after 81 years my uncle is finally coming home,” said Hayman.
The funeral will take place at 2 PM at Ponemah Cemetery in Bogalusa.
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