DANVILLE — Like so many young men and women who serve, Corporal Francis Trussel Jr. enlisted in the United States Army out of love — love for his young family and love for his country.

Trussel joined the Army in March 2005. He was deployed to Iraq in October 2006. A hero’s reception awaited the return of this soldier, but a hero’s funeral was held instead.

Trussel died May 26, while serving as a tank operator in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He would have celebrated his 22nd birthday June 4.



Wednesday's funeral service began with “Watching You,” a country song about a father realizing the example he sets for his son. The lyrics touched all who watched Trussel’s wife, Jodi, and their two sons, Jaden and Malikye, enter the chapel.

The young family was surrounded by loved ones, friends, military officials and veterans during the funeral services at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Mayor Scott Eisenhauer joined the mourners, as did Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn.

The service continued from that poignant moment to include loving memories and heartfelt prayers for the fallen soldier and his family.

The lieutenant governor, who has attended for the past four years the funerals of all Illinois soldiers killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, spoke about Trussel giving his life for his country.

“Those who serve in the military call Iraq ‘the gates of hell.’ Frank went there out of unselfish devotion to duty,” Quinn said.

“He was a genuine hero. His sons will know that their dad was a special American.”

Quinn added, “We love you, Frank, and we always will.”

The Department of Defense confirmed Trussel’s death was caused by an improvised explosive device.

At the end of the funeral, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. After the medals were presented to his widow, Toby Keith’s “American Soldier” played.

Outside the funeral home, two Danville Fire Department trucks formed an arch with their ladders for the procession to pass through. The Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department and Danville Police Department joined the Patriot Guard to accompany the mourners to Oak Hill Cemetery.

All along the route, mourners stood holding American flags.

Some saluted, while others placed their hands over their hearts.

Traffic in either direction came to a standstill.

Quinn took note of the response of residents.

“It’s quite inspiring to see the people of Danville turn out like this,” he said. “God didn’t give Frank a long life, but he went forward unselfishly out of love for his country.”

The other Vermilion County resident to die in this war was Hoopeston’s Army Pfc. Jeffrey Wallace. He died in combat May 23, 2005.