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NORTH MANCHESTER - The First Marines laid another brother to rest Monday when Lance Cpl. Scott Alan Zubowski of the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, was buried in Oak Lawn Cemetery.
Zubowski, 20, was killed Nov. 12 in Fallujah, Iraq, when a bomb exploded under his vehicle. Of the four other passengers, one other Marine was killed and three wounded.
Zubowski entered the Marine Corps after graduating from Manchester High School in 2003. He was an Indiana Academic Scholar who also participated on the cross country, swimming and track teams.
The black cap he wore graduation day was displayed with the Marine emblem he wore tucked in his cap.
When he enlisted in the Marine Corps he fulfilled a dream inspired by his older brother, David.
He served his first tour of duty in Iraq from February to October 2004. He reported for his second tour of Iraq in July. During this second, tragic tour both brothers were in Iraq.
Nearly 1,000 family, friends and community members attended funeral services Monday in the Manchester Church of the Brethren on Berkley Street where he married his high school sweetheart, Klancey Eberly, in December.
Marines guarded Zubowski's flag-draped casket.
The funeral service, officiated by Pastor Kurt Borgmann, featured remembrances and tributes from two of the fallen Marine's teachers, his brother, a Marine friend, mother and wife.
The teachers, Robert Gilbert and Kyle Wieland, talked about his determination, his sense of humor and intelligence.
Marine Staff Sgt. David Zubowski said he had more years in the service, but his brother was a better Marine.
Scott and David's mother, Barb Weitzel of New Castle, said Scott was a gift from God.
"Scott was smart, funny, loving," the grieving woman said.
Zubowski's young widow said her late husband had a spark for living in his eyes.
"Scott lived every day to the fullest," Klancey said. "He never let anyone or anything stop him from moving on to Day Two.
"He lived too short of a life, but he touched everyone in the room. He completely and utterly fulfilled my life."
Zubowski's gravesite is on the west side of the cemetery. He was buried with full military honors, including a 21-gun salute and the playing of "Taps."
Mourners concluded the graveside services, singing "America the Beautiful."
On behalf of a grateful nation, U.S. flags were presented to Zubowski's widow, his mother and his father, Richard Zubowski of North Manchester.
Scott Zubowski also is survived by a brother, Brian Zubowski of Huntington.
Zubowski is the 55th member of the armed forces with Hoosier ties to have died while serving in the Iraq War since 2003. He is the 12th Hoosier Marine to fall.
