10/27/2026
News
Korean War soldier John Robert Stovall is finally coming home to Illinois
By Dominic Genetti,Staff WriterOct 26, 2026
Like many soldiers called to duty to serve in the Korean War, the hope was to eventually come home, find work and start families. Not everyone got to do that, though, including 19-year-old U.S. Army Private First-Class John Robert Stovall. He was one of many who didn’t survive the war and one of several who never made it home.
He was reported missing in July 1950.
More than half a century went by with his remains lying unidentified, but that has now changed. Stovall’s remains were positively identified in 2025 and, Oct. 27, the young soldier is finally coming home.
In an announcement released by the Illinois State Police, Stovall’s remains are expected to arrive at St. Louis Lambert International Airport before being taken to Kassly Funeral Home in Fairview Heights and then to Belleville’s Mount Hope Cemetery for burial Oct. 29. The Illinois State Police will es**rt Stovall’s hearse from the airport.
“We are honored to es**rt PFC Stovall home,” ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly said in a statement. “This young man bravely left his family and friends in East Saint Louis to fight for something bigger than himself. It is our sacred duty to honor his service and ultimate sacrifice and lay him to rest in Illinois.”
Stovall was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his extraordinary bravery. He will receive full military honors at his burial site.
“As we welcome Private First-Class John Robert Stovall home to Illinois, let us join together to honor his service and ultimate sacrifice,” Gov. JB Pritzker added in his own statement. “Our U.S. service members embody true bravery in their selfless defense of our nation. We are deeply grateful to all those responsible for bringing PFC Stovall back to his family.”
This article was in our e-news thru the Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois
