Staff writer

OWENSVILLE-Hundreds of supportive residents and well-wishers lined the route as the body of U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. James Brown was returned to Gibson County on Tuesday evening.

A group of dozens of Gibson County residents lined the sidewalks outside of Holder's Funeral Home as Brown's casket was taken into the building by a group of Marines.

According to the Department of Defense, Brown was killed last Thursday in Iraq after being shot in the neck.

Staff Sgt. Kevin Bruce, a Marine casualty assistance officer, said plans have been set for Brown's funeral, which will take place at the Gibson Southern High School gymnasium at 2 p.m. Thursday.

Brown's body was flown to Louisville International-Standiford Field Airport on Tuesday evening.

Gibson County Sheriff Allen Harmon and Chief Deputy George Ballard escorted a group of family and friends, a hearse and a Marine funeral detail to the airport and escorted the caravan back to Owensville.

Brown's family traveled to Louisville and gathered around his casket as it lay on a conveyor belt off of the commercial jet it was flown back on.

Moans and cries of anguish could be heard as Brown's mother, Joanne Van Antwerp, his fiancé, Jamie Coleman, and more than a dozen other friends and family members consoled themselves at the first glance they were able to take of Brown's casket.

Marine Corps. League members from Louisville were present during the unloading of the casket. The airport's fire department had hung a large American flag from its ladder truck.

Bruce said a Marine rifle company from St. Louis would be on hand to perform ceremonies during the graveside services at Saulmon Cemetery in Owensville. Visitation will be a First General Baptist Church in Owensville from noon to 8 p.m. today.

As the procession traveled west from Louisville, it was joined by a group of motorcyclists and other supporters.

As it approached Gibson County, dozens of individuals gathered along the highway and on overpasses to show their support for Brown's family.

From Tell City, to Jasper and Boonville, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles were parked on the overpasses with their lights flashing. Supporters had draped American flags over the sides of the overpasses and several people were waving flags.

As the caravan entered Gibson County, a group gathered outside of Jim Hipp Nursery waved flags and had put up a homemade sign which read &#8220Hero."

Sheriff's deputies and local police officers used their cruisers to block the path the caravan took into Owensville.

Hundreds of residents gathered on the sides of the roads along the caravan route. Many held candles or flashlights to show their support. Parents and children had made signs which expressed support for Brown and his family.

Bruce said Marines who were friends of Brown's would be attending the Thursday funeral.