A Yakima Man Who Died At Pearl Harbor is Finally Home

Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11 are important days to a Yakima family who have been waiting years to say their final goodbyes. Yakima is invited to share in the public visitation and burial Friday and Saturday of 24-year-old Patrick Lloyd Chess who was killed on December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor. Chess died in the Pearl Harbor attack while serving in the United States Navy aboard the USS Oklahoma (BB-37). At the young age of just 22-years-old Chess enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October of 1940 in Seattle Washington as an Apprentice Seaman.

A procession from Seattle to Yakima on Monday transported Chess to his home

The family says "Patrick was eager to a serve his country. He reported to the USS Oklahoma on December 13, 1940 as a Shipfitter 3rd Class. Just under 1 year later, he gave the ultimate sacrifice, in service to the country."
For years researchers have worked to identify remains and that work resulted in Chess being identified by DNA experts. On Monday the remains were transported from Nebraska to Seattle. A procession brought his remains back to his hometown of Yakima on Monday.

Now a chance for the community to say a final goodbye.

A public visitation is open Friday, June 10 at Shaw and Sons Funeral Home from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. During the visitation family memorabilia will be on display as well as Pearl Harbor historical displays, a guest registry, and the flag draped casket of Patrick L Chess.
On June 11 at 10:00 am Chess will be laid to rest at Tahoma Cemetery where he will receive Full Military Honors. He'll be buried next to his parents.