Missouri State Highway Patrolman Leif Alan Dezner was laid to rest in Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Fayette on Thursday. Scores of officers from the patrol, along with area law enforcement officers from the Howard County Sheriff’s Department and the Fayette Police Department, among others, attended Dezner’s funeral held at the First Baptist Church in Fayette. 

Davis Street between Main and Linn streets was closed down in order to provide parking for the dozens of highway patrol cars and motorcycles in town. Members of the Patriot Guard Riders, a non-profit organization that ensures dignity and respect at memorial services honoring fallen military heroes, first responders, and honorably discharged Veterans, were in attendance.

Dezner, 26, was killed on in a tragic accident at his home south of Fayette on September 30. He was apparently cutting a tree when a portion of it fell on him.

Trooper Dezner leaves behind a wife and two children, with a third child expected soon.