Through a mission by the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, the remains of Seaman First Class Joe R. Nightingale were accounted for and identified Aug. 29, 2019.
In 1940, Nightingale, of Kalamazoo, enlisted in the Navy and on Dec. 7, 1941, Nightingale, was killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
What is left of Joe Nightingale’s remains arrived at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids Dec. 3, aboard Southwest Flight 4923.
Charles Nightingale, Joe’s brother, and several other members of the Nightingale family stood on the tarmac awaiting the arrival.
“It’s been a long time,” Charles Nightingale said. “But, it’s finally coming to an end.”
News Channel 3’s Erica Mokay was invited to the airport by the family for the long-awaited homecoming and has been following Joe Nightingale’s journey home since family was first notified that his remains had been identified.
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After nearly 80 years and 639 miles from Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, to West Michigan, family decided to make Joe Nightingale’s final resting place Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta.
A private graveside service is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Dec. 7, exactly 80 years after his death.
“We just want to make sure he gets honored,” Charles Nightingale said.
As a final salute to his life and service, a flag was draped over Joe's casket as it came off the plane Friday. Military body bearers were also in attendance to intercept the casket and ceremoniously placed it inside the hearse.
After watching the whole process from a short distance away, Charles Nightingale said his brother could finally be laid to rest.
Joe Nightingale’s public funeral was scheduled for 11 a.m., Dec. 7, at Factoryville Bible Church, 33650 Factoryville Rd., Athens, with a luncheon to follow.
A police and Patriot Guard escort would then lead the hearse to Ft. Custer National Cemetery for a private burial.