August 11, 2011 –
MAYETTA: A funeral cortege for fallen soldier Pfc. Cody Baker passed by the common land today on U.S. Hwy 75 where local citizens lined the highway near Mayetta and the Prairie Band Casino & Resort to honor Baker. Baker, 19, was killed in Afghanistan on August 3 in the line of duty as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was from Holton and had attended Royal Valley and Holton schools.
The hearse carrying Pfc. Cody Baker’s body back home to Holton, Kan. Flags will fly at half mast this Saturday in Kansas in respect of Baker and four other soldiers with Kansas ties who were also killed in Afghanistan.
Citizens gathered on the casino overpass on 150 Road to pay their last respects and flew American flags. The Patriot Guard and a police escort also accompanied Baker’s body up U.S. Highway 75. Baker’s funeral will be Saturday morning in Holton.
Small communities from Topeka to Holton, like Mayetta, closed their businesses during the procession and hung flags on Main street. These three veterans were part of a Mayetta group who gathered at 158 Road along the highway. From left to right is Emery Hale, Eldon Darnell and Don Walrod. Hale is a tribal member and active member of We-Ta-Se American Legion Post # 410.
For more photos taken by Micki Martinez from 162 Road go to