On Friday, Korean War veteran Roosevelt Clark will finally be laid to rest, 62 years after he was reported missing in action. But, not before his former high school celebrates his life.
On his way to the church Friday morning, Clark's remains will be driven through the campus of Bakersfield High School. His fellow Drillers plan to show their blue and white pride for the Patriot.
Three months ago, these BHS students didn't know who Roosevelt Clark was.
"I jumped on the chance to kind of dig deep into this because it really is its own mystery," said Scott Jones, a senior at BHS.
Now, they know nearly everything. Clark dropped out his junior year at BHS to join the Army.
"He joined the U.S. Army as a light infantry man in March of 1950," said Jones.
Nine months later, he was reported missing. 62 years later, the military identified his remains. BHS archive students dug up a picture from his transcripts.
His family has very few pictures of Clark which is why Friday when Clark's remains are escorted through campus, students plan to present the photographs to his cousins.
"The most important factor of it is letting him know that he's not forgotten," said Jones.
Students also plan to be holding signs.
"He was once a Driller and I think everyone should be honored like that," said Rachel Lopez, a senior at BHS.
Students from the floral decorating class also made a wreath.
"He went to BHS and we wanted to give him a little part of what BHS is now," said Viridiana Castro, a junior at BHS.
They decided to honor Clark with a little glitz from the garden.
"We used carnations and lilies and roses," said Castro.
"We threw in some silver glitter too so we could make it as nice as possible for the family," said Raven Segovia, a junior at BHS.
Snipping and arranging all afternoon, they plan to give the arrangement to the family.
"We're like a huge family at BHS so if you are a Driller we are going to stick by you," said Segovia. "Once a Driller always a Driller."
Clark's hearse is expected to arrive on campus about 9:45 a.m. His remains will then head onto the funeral. That starts at 11 a.m. at the People's Missionary Baptist Church on Madison Street. The public is welcome.