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ST. GEORGE — Buried with full military honors, 85-year-old Marine Cpl. Marvin A. Jones took his final journey to the graveside in “Marine Corps” style in a casket adorned with eight crafted handles escorted by a lifelong friend in a show of promise kept.
The retired marine was laid to rest Feb. 18 at the St. George City Cemetery following a service officiated by the Utah Dixie Detachment 1270 Marine Corps League.
Amid the time-honored folding of the flag came something extraordinary across the grounds.
A fully restored 1943 Marine Corps Ford Jeep towing a trailer laden with the casket arrived at the gravesite.
As the coffin was positioned, the handles came into view; instead of traditional brass handles it was adorned with handcrafted stirrups, the final gift from Clawson “Tuffy” Ruth, whose friendship with Jones began more than seven decades ago, retired Marine and public information officer for the detachment Bill Fortune said.
On the day of the funeral, Ruth honored his friend’s last request as he transported the casket in the pouring rain with the Jeep that he restored.
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