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Soldier to be laid to rest

Funeral services are scheduled for this Sunday for Army Sgt. Derek Roy Pagan of Kunkletown.

Pagan, who was stationed at Fort Hood, was the victim of a hit-and-run along Highway 183 in Austin, Texas, on April 26.Austin police believe that Pagan was returning from a concert Sunday night when he was hit. Motorists who came upon Pagan after he was struck blocked the area to protect the soldier until help arrived.Visitation will take place Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Donald Gower Funeral Home at 1426 Route 209 in Gilbert. A memorial service, with full military honors, will follow, after which Pagan will be escorted past his home by the Warrior Watch and members of Operation Touch of Home of Monroe County."When Derek was deployed overseas, we sent him care packages," said Tammy Gower of Touch of Home."His mother, Linda, was very grateful and has volunteered with us as well as being on the auxiliary of the American Legion in Gilbert. We want her to know that we will be there with her at this time."Pagan was 29 years old and a 2005 graduate of Pleasant Valley High School.He joined the army in April 2011 as a radio and communications security repairer.Pagan received the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and an Air Assault Badge.According to the Austin Police Department there are no new leads in the case.

Pagan