Marine's last words a message of love

DOYLESTOWN TWP., Pa. -- Bart R. Humlhanz, a U.S. Marine corporal from Hellertown, died in Iraq after saying some final words in a message for his financee, a minister said Friday at Humlhanz's funeral.

"Bart made it to the hospital," the Rev. Timothy P. Dugan said. "He musters up enough strength and says, 'Tell Lauren, wherever she is, how much I love her.' "

The 2001 Saucon Valley High School graduate was engaged to Lance Cpl. Lauren Barrelle of Louisiana, who also was stationed in Iraq and attended the funeral. Both were assigned to a Marine unit in Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Humlhanz, 23, was killed Aug. 26 by shrapnel during an enemy attack in the Babil province of Iraq. The Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks motivated Humlhanz to enlist in the Marine Corps in November 2001.

He received two meritorious promotions in his career in the Marines. His most recent promotion was to corporal on June 1.

During the funeral, Humlhanz was awarded the Purple Heart and Good Conduct Medal. After the 40-minute service, about 100 mourners walked out of the Reed & Steinbach Funeral Home and gathered outside by a black hearse.

About 25 minutes later, seven uniformed Marines moved Humlhanz's flag-covered casket outside. Some mourners were crying, as Officer Tim Bennett of the Warrington Township Police Department played bagpipes.

The most upset person at the funeral was Humlhanz's sister, Nicole Marie Humlhanz. The 2004 Saucon Valley High School graduate expressed her sorrow with emotional sobs.

"They were like best friends," Edward B. Humlhanz said later, describing the close relationship between his son and daughter.

After removing the American flag from the casket and folding it, the uniformed Marines lifted the casket into the hearse. Bennett played the "U.S. Marine Corps Hymn" and "God Bless America" on the bagpipes.

Edward Humlhanz said his son's body was to be cremated. Interment of cremated remains is scheduled for noon today at Doylestown Cemetery.

"It was a beautiful service," Edward Humlhanz said of Friday's funeral. "It was a big show of how many lives he touched."

More than 1,000 people attended Thursday's viewing at the funeral home, Edward Humlhanz said.

During the funeral service, Dugan, pastor of Salem United Church of Christ in Doylestown, recalled meeting Barton Humlhanz.

"He was wearing that uniform and, true to character, he said, 'It's nice to meet you, sir.' I thought I should be saying sir to you," Dugan said.

Dugan said he later talked to Humlhanz about his future plans to become a police officer.

"He didn't have that opportunity," Dugan said.

Several of Humlhanz's relatives are police officers, and his grandfather, Oliver Groman Sr., was a district justice. Bennett said he knew Groman because Warrington Township police brought criminal matters before Groman.

Hellertown officials and the Heintzelman Funeral Home in the borough have invited people to sign a guest register for Humlhanz's family. The Heintzelman Funeral Home, 326 Main St., will receive guests from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 13-17. Condolence letters and cards will be forwarded to the family.