Marine Whose Remains Were Abandoned Given Proper Burial

CANTON, GA -- A military funeral service was held Wednesday at the Georgia National Cemetery for a man whose remains were found abandoned in a rental storage facility.

The service for Corporal Charles Dean Hughes was held at noon, and his cremated remains were interred at the Canton cemetery following the service.

Hughes’ cremated remains were discovered months ago and turned over to the American Legion Post 45 in Canton. A subsequent investigation by the Cherokee Marshal’s Office and the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office allowed the Post to obtain the DD214 of Hughes.

That information showed he was a decorated Marine from the Vietnam War. Before Wednesday's burial Hughes son, Charlie Hughes of Nelson, read about the discovery of his father's remains and contacted the marshal's office.

Hughes said his sister had been in possession of his father's cremated remains for years, "saying the two have not been in contact for some time," the marshal's office said.

Charlie Hughes and his wife attended the service, which was conducted by the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, American Legion, Marine Corp League, Georgia National Cemetery staff, Cherokee Marshal’s Office and the Patriot Guard.

The service was attended by a number of private citizens as well. Poole’s Funeral Home of Woodstock donated their services for the family.

Images via Cherokee Marshal's Office