James Catron, Korean War Vet, Dies While Raising Flag On Memorial Day

RICHVILLE, Ohio -- A coroner's investigator in Ohio says a Korean War veteran died on Memorial Day while trying to replace a weathered American flag on his 20-foot TV tower.

Rick Walters with the Stark County Coroner's office says an autopsy has found that 83-year-old James Catron died of natural causes on Monday outside his home in Richville. The Repository newspaper of Canton reports Catron had a history of heart trouble.

A neighbor saw Catron slumped over atop the tower and called 911. Walters says the man may have died about an hour earlier and was safely belted to the tower. Catron was brought down by fire department paramedics.

Perry Township Fire Chief Larry Sedlock tells The Repository firefighters with a ladder truck returned later on Memorial Day to replace the flag.

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Comments

[Lovelyblue]

02:53 PM on 06/02/2011

Full salute to him. I hope they place the flag with him.

[aproudamvet]

02:45 PM on 06/02/2011

Thank you.

[KennebunkportIndependent]

02:44 PM on 06/02/2011

If I die doing what means the most to me, I will die a happy man.

[DungBeetle]

02:13 PM on 06/02/2011

What a way to go. I wonder if he killed anyone in battle. I wonder if he was a good father and husband. I wonder if he'll be remembered a few years from now. I wonder if any of us will. Peace to his family.

[Chris Wundrow]

02:01 PM on 06/02/2011

What s way to go. A salute to you, sir, and thank you.

[Stuart Begdly]

01:51 PM on 06/02/2011

It's both sad and sort of funny at the same time.....I wonder is this patritic man knew that almost 75% of all American flags sold here are actually made in China.

[deputykelley]

02:33 PM on 06/02/2011

wow, you are a sick person.....how in the world could you say something like that about this situation right now, c'mon stewie, get your game face on !

[jestanle]

03:02 PM on 06/02/2011

funny?...what an a** you are

[Karma2U]

01:39 PM on 06/02/2011

God bless you sir - may you be an everlasting advocate for peace in heaven.

[MMRDO]

01:23 PM on 06/02/2011

He died raising the flag he loved, a true patriot's death.

[YoBear]

01:23 PM on 06/02/2011

He was doing his duties to the very end. A touching story and an honourable way to pass on.

[fdeltz]

01:21 PM on 06/02/2011

RIP

[Lesperado]

01:12 PM on 06/02/2011

Bummer.

[0311SaltDog usmc]

01:09 PM on 06/02/2011

"He had received two bronze stars during his service but never told us," she said. "He was a great man."

Go easy brother! YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[galactictravelerjavjav]

01:09 PM on 06/02/2011

RIP

[fdeltz]

01:09 PM on 06/02/2011

RIP, and Thank You.

[Colonel Muttonfield]

01:05 PM on 06/02/2011

I sat watching this dtory on TV and I could not help but realize that there comes a time in every veteran's life when the human condition becomes momentaril­y unbearable­, as if living in the shadows, sitting in a darkened room with only your own company to keep. Given enough time, it rots into a solitary, empty existence. Last night, I went to sleep, hoping that the sounds of the past would just fade away, that a sort of death might happen in me. But as I lay there, the memories and sufferings of the past began to howl in chorus like a relentless wind oppressing and tormenting the soul. May this fallen brother finally find peace.