CLEVELAND -- Master Sgt. Robert Dowdy was among nine soldiers killed when an Army maintenance group was ambushed in Iraq three weeks ago.

Video

Sloan, Dowdy Among Dead Local Soldiers Among Dead

NewsChannel5's Tony Gaskins reported that hundreds showed up Tuesday morning for Dowdy's funeral service at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Cleveland.

Dowdy's casket was wheeled down Fleet Avenue to the church for an 11 a.m. service. The street was lined with hundreds of people carrying flags and paying their respects.

Walking behind the Dowdy family was the Rev. Tandy Sloan, whose 19-year-old son, Pfc. Brandon Sloan, was also killed during the ambush in Iraq. Sloan was raised in Bedford Heights, Ohio, and was buried Saturday at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland.

Both Dowdy (pictured, above far right) and Sloan (pictured, above right) served in the 507th Maintenance Company and were among those killed when their convoy was ambushed. Five of their comrades, including Pfc. Jessica Lynch, were taken prisoner and released Sunday.

Dowdy, 38, of Cleveland, was described as a loving husband and father, as well as a good role model to the troops who served under him. Those who knew him said he exuded respect, integrity and courage.

Bishop Anthony Pilla presided over Dowdy's service. Mayor Jane Campbell and U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs-Jones were among those in attendance.

Tubbs-Jones read a proclamation from the Sloan family and from the Historic Greater Friendship Baptist Church, where Tandy Sloan is a reverend.

"Whereas Sgt. Robert Dowdy has left behind him a memory fragrant with good deeds, the Historic Greater Friendship Baptist Church would like to say to the family, have faith in our Lord and through faith comes the belief that with God, your sorrows will fade," she said.

The Army presented Dowdy's wife with a bronze star and a purple heart for her husband's bravery. The Sloan family also received these accolades for their son.