Family, friends in Ravenna say final goodbyes to fallen Marine

RAVENNA, Ohio - Family and friends in Ravenna said their final goodbyes to a hometown hero. Lance Cpl. Mark Allen Meduri, 24, was laid to rest on Monday. The Ravenna Marine died in an accidental shooting two weeks ago while stationed in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

It was only eight months ago Meduri married the love of his life at the Immaculate Conception Church in downtown Ravenna. It's the same place family and friends gathered to pay their final respects.

"It's sad and I just felt I had to be out here to support the family and honor him for all he and all of the other soldiers in the country have done for us," said Ruth Iverson, a family friend.

Meduri graduated from Ravenna High School and was the captain of the soccer team. After graduation, he went to Kent State University until he joined the Marine Corps. in January 2010.

In 2011, Meduri was deployed to Afghanistan and received several ribbons and awards. He was killed in an accidental firearms incident while stationed in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

While family and friends held onto each other for support, Ravenna residents said they lost a great man from a wonderful family.

"It's like you lost someone yourself, you know," one resident explained.

As the funeral procession slowly made its way through the city to Maple Grove Cemetery, Iverson said her heart goes out to Meduri's family.

"It was just so unexpected for them. They are really having a tough time."