Veteran honored 15 months after his death

VERNON PARISH, La. (KALB) – John Charles Joynor Jr. served his country for two decades and was buried in a public cemetery after his death without any recognition for his services.

Joynor grew up at the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home in Monroe, where he became best friends with Richard Bullock.

Both lived in the orphanage between 1960 and 1969. After the separation, Richard was left with only memories of the time he spent with his good friend 55 years ago.

After meeting with the children's home where they grew up, Bullock learned of his friend's death and after some research, discovered that the veteran had been buried without any honor in a cemetery in Rapides Parish.

Bullock said he couldn't leave his friend there, which led to a coordinated effort to hold an official ceremony with full military honors at the Fort Johnson Veterans Cemetery.

During the touching ceremony, Joynor's sister was able to be present to pay her last respects to her brother.

Between family and friends, as well as other veterans seeking justice, with the help of the local coroner's office, the Rapides Parish Police Grand Jury, and the Veterans Administration, John has ended up where he belonged all along.

From KALB we would like to thank you for your service and wish you, Mr. Joynor, rest in peace.

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