A horse-drawn caisson slowly carried the flag-draped coffin of World War II veteran Samuel T. Vanover through Wednesday's gloom and icy cold at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. The caisson and volunteer honor guard are among the most popular services at the cemetery, where Mr. Vanover, 93, of Lancaster, was laid to rest with full military honors. He was a pharmacist on the Navy hospital ship USS Relief, which participated in many Pacific Ocean battles, evacuating thousands of wounded soldiers and Marines. It had its own close call dodging a Japanese bomb. Back home, Mr. Vanover had several careers: teacher, soil conservationist, master bee keeper, self-taught professional photographer. His daughter, Norma Vanover, said he loved people and never met a stranger. Mr. Vanover died Saturday.

Jim Warren (859) 231-3255.