The Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene will hold a burial service for U.S. Army Private First Class John Kenneth Andrews on Wednesday, July 23, at 11 a.m.
The veteran, who served from July 1960 to May 1961, is not expected to have any family members present.
Community members are being urged to attend the unaccompanied veteran’s burial to ensure Andrews is not laid to rest alone. The Texas Veterans Land Board coordinates these services to honor veterans who might otherwise have no one present at their final farewell.
Andrews, born October 15, 1938, will receive full military honors at the ceremony. A Veterans Land Board representative will accept the American flag on his behalf if no next of kin attends.
The burial represents part of the Texas Veterans Land Board’s commitment that “NO Veteran is EVER left behind.” The board regularly works with local communities and veteran organizations to coordinate these services.
Dr. Dawn Buckingham, who became Texas’ first female Land Commissioner in 2022, oversees the Veterans Land Board. Her office manages veteran services alongside responsibilities for disaster response, energy policy, public education, and border security.
The cemetery, located at 7457 West Lake Rd. in Abilene, serves as one of several state veterans cemeteries throughout Texas. These facilities provide burial services for eligible veterans and their families.
Those planning to attend should arrive by 11 a.m. sharp on July 23. The Texas General Land Office press office can provide additional information at (512) 936-9582.