Hundreds line the streets to pay respects to Oberlin soldier killed in Afghanistan

OBERLIN, Ohio - The body of 23-year-old Army Sgt. Louis Torres is now at an Oberlin funeral home.

Torres was injured on Aug. 6 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He died on Aug. 22 at a San Antonio military medical center. 

A procession made its way from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to the Cowling Funeral Home in Oberlin. Hundreds of people lined the streets.

Some put up flags, signs and ribbons. Roy Schramm helped put a sign out in the yard where he works.

"It's just a matter of respect," said Schramm.

Trees along the procession route were tied with white ribbons.

"I'm retired, heard of the tragedy and said 'I got to do something,'" said Margaret Christian. She tied ribbons on several trees along West Lorain Street.

Torres was a 2008 graduate of Lorain County Joint Vocational School. Joe Csizmadia was Torres' history teacher.

"This is a young man that I would have been proud to have as a son. I feel lucky to have had in my class," said Csizmadia.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Cowling Funeral Home, 228 South Main St. in Oberlin. There will be a private service on Friday.