Galesburg prepares to honor U.S. Army Corporal Paul Eugene Hoots, a hometown soldier lost in the Korean War, as he is finally laid to rest 75 years after his death. The city expects mourners to gather at Linwood Cemetery and is taking special precautions due to an excessive heat advisory. Organizers will provide bottled water, shaded areas, and on-site medical assistance to ensure attendees’ safety during the memorial. Corporal Hoots’s family and community members will join together to pay tribute to his service and sacrifice, marking a poignant homecoming for one of Galesburg’s own.
A proud graduate of Galesburg High School, Hoots served with honor in the Korean War but was declared missing in action in July 1950. For years, his family and community waited for closure. Now, through the efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, his remains have been positively identified. Preparations are underway to lay Cpl. Hoots to rest in his hometown, where he will receive full military honors. Residents are invited to pay respects to a local hero whose sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Galesburg Fire Chief Randy Hovind emphasized the importance of safety. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together to welcome home a lost service member,” he said. “However, with the excessive heat forecast for the day, we want to ensure our community members practice safety first and have coordinated extra precautionary measures to help protect our citizens who may wish to participate in the event. We are thankful for our strong community partners, GHAS and First Student, who were willing to collaborate with us to increase the safety of the event.”
Galesburg is preparing to honor Cpl. Hoots, whose funeral visitation begins at 10 AM at Hinchliff Pearson West. Funeral services will follow at 11, with the procession departing for East Linwood Cemetery at noon. The route will be escorted by Rolling Thunder and fellow veteran motorcycle groups. Community members are encouraged to line Seminary and Main Streets, waving flags and paying respectful tribute. Volunteers are still needed to help set up and take down six hundred flags along the procession route. Flag volunteers should meet at Hinchliff Pearson West at 4 PM, wearing gloves and walking shoes, and bring water. Flags will go up today, July 23rd, and be taken down on Thursday, July 24th.
