Reporter-News photo by Ronald W. Erdrich

Ruben De La Garza gives the eulogy for his cousin Sgt. Reuben Marcus Fernandez III, during the funeral service Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008, at Beltway Park Baptist Church.

Reporter-News photo by Ronald W. Erdrich

Pall bearers carry out the casket of Sgt. Reuben Marcus Fernandez III after the funeral service Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008 at Beltway Park Baptist Church.

Some called him Reuben. Most called him Marcus. Fellow soldiers called him Fernandez.

To cousin Ruben De La Garza, Sgt. Reuben Marcus Fernandez III was affectionately known as “crook” or “crooked.”

To all who attended today’s funeral for the 22-year-old Cooper High graduate who died recently in Iraq, he was an American hero, someone who willingly gave his life for his country.

De La Garza, who choked up numerous times while giving Fernandez’s eulogy, called Fernandez a “beloved soldier and son — our hero.”

“He had plans to make a career serving his country,” De La Garza said of a soldier who was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. “... Marcus was all smiles and all heart. His eyes spoke to everyone. His laughter was infectious.”

Fernandez was honored and remembered by many — from the Wylie Junior High students who lined the fence outside the school as hundreds of cars in the funeral procession left Beltway Park Baptist Church to those who pulled off the road and waved American flags as the group proceeded to Elmwood Memorial Park. A local branch of the Patriot Guard Riders paid tribute by escorting the funeral procession, along with Abilene police.

“Marcus, our hero, we miss you already,” said De La Garza, as onlookers sobbed. “You will be loved always and forever.”

Initially, De La Garza said he didn’t want to give the eulogy, but he could hear his cousin's voice telling him, "Don't be a little punk," drawing laughter.

De La Garza said Fernandez wanted to be in Iraq.

“He knew the risks involved,” De La Garza said.

Pastor Brian Daniels said Fernandez was loving and respectful, “the most respectful man I have ever known."

“Marcus was such a man of strength,” Daniels said. “Marcus worried more about us over here than we worried about him over there.”

De La Garza, meanwhile, said he’s not ready to die just yet, but that he can’t wait to see Fernandez once again.

“I’m not telling Marcus I want to go right now, but I look forward to that day,” he said, referring to when they meet in Heaven.

Fernandez was killed when the vehicle he was traveling in struck a roadside bomb in Iraq. It was Fernandez’s second tour in Iraq, and he had been there since June. He was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Team, 1st Calvary Division, Fort Hood.