WEATHERFORD — There was a huge turnout in Parker County Saturday for the funeral of a North Texas sailor.
Clayton Beauchamp was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on August 7. Thousands of people who had never even met the young sailor from Weatherford lined the streets outside First Baptist Church to pay their respects.
Many waved American flags; others held their hands over their hearts.
"I lost a few good friends," said former soldier Steven Ray. "And even though he wasn't a friend of mine, he's still a fellow soldier, and I saw fit to show up and show some support."
Beauchamp was serving as a corpsman in the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines in Afghanistan. The 21-year old was just a few weeks into his first combat deployment, when he was killed.
Beauchamp graduated from Weatherford High School, Class of 2009. His youth reminded Terri Coburn, the mother of a Marine, of the danger and pride she has in her own son.
"Having a son in the military, I can only imagine what they're going through," she said. "My heart goes out to them, so I just wanted to show my support for the family."
Beauchamp was one of three siblings in the Navy. The family has a long history of military service.
On this day, Clayton Beauchamp made his family proud once again.
