Service honors Hines' sacrifice

By Matt Courter

A memorial service to honor former Olney resident Joshua Hines, who died while serving in Iraq on October 15, was held Wednesday at Wal-Mart Distribution Center.

Lance Corporal Hines, 26, of Westfield, was killed in action while conducting combat operations against anti-Iraqi forces near Al-Anbar Province in Iraq.

Hines' brother, Jason, of Oregon, who received a memorial Bible as part of the ceremony, said his brother was happy in the service.

“He was doing what he wanted to do,” Jason Hines said, adding he was glad to be serving as a Marine.

Lance Cpl. Hines worked at Wal-Mart Distribution Center and joined the Marine Corps in June 2004. He was stationed with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines. He married Caryn R. Felkamp on February 25, 2006, and had infant son, Rylie Joshua Hines, of Westfield.

Ashley Belcher, a friend of Hines' who worked with him at Papa Mike's when he lived in Olney from 2003-2005, said he was able to spend some time with his son before being shipped to Iraq.

Many D.C. employees attended the memorial service, which featured short readings and music.

Shane Cretors, who was Lance Cpl. Hines' supervisor in the perishable and shipping department, said Hines was a motivated worker.

“He would do anything you asked of him,” he said. “He was a hard worker.”

Cretors said Lance Cpl. Hines was transferred to the department shortly after Cretors became supervisor there.

He worked with Lance Cpl. Hines for a few months and said that Hines was ready to serve in Iraq.

“He was looking forward to his trip,” Cretors said.

Lance Cpl. Hines' grandmother, Marilyn Kiefer, also of Oregon, was appreciative of the memorial service and said her grandson was a special person.

“He was so kind and good-hearted,” she said. “We are all going to miss him deeply.”

Kiefer said relatives were just in the area in February for Hines' wedding. “We're a close-knit family,” she said.

Jason Hines said his brother was the kind of person who would do anything for someone who needed help.

“He was a great guy,” he said.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at United Methodist Church in Casey with Dr. Penelope H. Barber officiating. Burial will follow in Casey-Cumberland Cemetery. Full military graveside rites will be conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps. Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. today at the church.

Matt Courter can be contacted at mcourter@olneydailymail.com.

Ellie