Farewell To Local Veteran

By NICK YAMASHITA

The Progress

A large assemblage of Moapa Valley residents lined State Highway 169 north of Logandale on Wednesday morning, July 14, to give a final send-off to a beloved local resident. They came bearing American flags and a few even wore Santa Claus hats to say farewell to former Logandale resident Joseph Perez.

Perez, a proud Marine Corps veteran, unexpectedly passed away on July 2, while performing his regular community service project of making sure the flagpole on the hilltop just north of SR169 was flying the American emblem proudly for the July 4th holiday.

Perez’ funeral services took place on Tuesday, July 13 and on Wednesday, his body was transported to the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City for burial.

Perez was known for bringing smiles to children and adults alike. He was involved with local veterans groups and was active in nationwide efforts to help and support veterans. He was a members of the volunteer Moapa Valley Fire District and a part of the Water Safety Volunteer program assisting boaters on Lake Mead. And he and his wife, Aleena was a go-to resource in the community at Christmas time in providing special holiday to kids and adults alike.

The final sendoff along the highway that day was arranged by local friends via social media.

The hearse, followed by a procession of family and friends, travelled from the Moapa Valley Mortuary with an escort by the Moapa Valley Fire District, Metropolitan Police Department, the Nevada Highway Patrol and local utility companies.

While waiting for the procession, those who lined the sides of the road out of the valley shared memories and experiences with Perez. The Davidsons, who were neighbors, recalled meeting Perez and how he always brought smiles to their faces. They even brought out the flag of their family veteran to be present and say goodbye.

The flashing of the emergency vehicle lights showed above Dead Man’s Curve and began to descend as people grabbed their flags and stood up along the highway. As the procession passed, the tears started.

In a few blinks of an eye, the hearse containing Perez drifted by on its way to the Interstate.
“It is hard to believe he is gone,” said Leisa Davidson. “I will never forget that smile of his, especially when he donned the red suit at Christmas time. I would not have missed this opportunity to send him off.”