MIA to be buried March 29

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Funeral arrangements for a local soldier missing in action have been announced.

Master Sgt. Charlie John Mares of the United States Army was a World War II veteran by the time he arrived in Korea for the war that had touched off there in 1950. Mares was born Dec. 25, 1920 and was killed in action on July 31, 1950.

As reported by Betty Danner of Cistern — a first cousin of his — Mares' death was witnessed by another soldier who had misspelled his name when recounting information to authorities. In turn, Mares wasn't positively identified and his remains were placed in an unknown soldiers' grave in Honolulu. After DNA testing was recently performed, the identity of the unknown was confirmed and Mares was set to come home.

A niece of his, Pat Kellar, was instrumental in helping in the identification. She had attended many soldiers missing-in-action meetings in Austin and out-of-state for many years and provided the DNA that confirmed a sample from a collarbone was in fact Mares.

A viewing will take place March 28 at noon with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia. An open casket will display his uniform and medals covering his remains. The next day, Mares will receive a full military service with a sergeant attending the casket. The funeral mass will be March 29 at 11 a.m. at St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Cistern. Burial will be at the church cemetery with a 21-gun salute. All are invited to a catered meal in the parish hall after.

Mares is the son of Cyril and Augustina Otahal Mares and the brother of Willie, John, Felix, George Sr., Callista, and Catherine Camp.

Mares was a resident of Cistern in Fayette County.

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