An 88-year-old has been helping out his community and his country for a long time.

He served in the Marines for four years from 1953-1957 and out of those years, Glen Killey spent 18 months stationed in Adak, Alaska.

Many of his brothers and uncles joined the military, so it was natural for Killey to join, too. While in the military he rose to the rank of sergeant with three stripes and became a machine gunner.

In the military, he would typically have two shifts of four hours in one day, being on guard two or three times a week. One way he spent his free time was watching movies in the theater room, which was also used for Sunday church services. Church services, although they weren’t mandatory, were highly encouraged.

Out of the movies he had watched countless times, “River of No Return” from 1954 and “The Bridge on the River Kwai” from 1957 were his favorites, so much so that an employee at the Jackson County History Center gifted him “The Bridge of the River Kwai” after hearing his stories.

A relative of the Killeys, Lt. Col. Dennis Adams, saw Glen as a huge inspiration in his life.

When Adams retired, as a sign of that admiration, he gifted his sword to Killey, which now hangs in a case on the wall of Killey’s rural Brownstown home above a picture of his fellow soldiers.

Along with his dedication to his country, one tradition in Killey’s neighborhood that he has helped keep alive is collecting ‘flower money’ when someone passes to show support and give respect to the families affected. An elderly couple were in charge of the tradition, but Killey offered to take on the responsibility himself and it’s a job he has continue to do ever since. “Flower money” refers to the flowers one would buy for a tombstone, but the money may often go toward the various needs of the family.

There are a total of six cemeteries Killey mows for as simple of a reason as why he helps collect ‘flower money’ for the deceased: Because there’s a need.

These contributions to the community are just that, with no monetary reward.

“It felt like I was doing a little something that was kinda good,” Killey said.

Killey started mowing and weed eating yards at Crabb Cemetery out of respect for his fellow veterans. He did it to make sure their graves were clear and legible, a problem that grows over time.

He participated in other veteran-based appreciation events and activities such as the Memorial Day program at Fairview Cemetery in Brownstown. Through the upkeep, him and others would honor the veterans and educate along the way. During some of the events, grade schoolers would be able to visit and learn more about history and pay respect to those no longer here.

At some cemetery events, flags would be placed at each gravestone, a part of the ceremonies Killey said meant a lot to him.

Along with mowing cemeteries, Killey also helps mow the yards of his neighbors and the Jackson County History Center property in Brownstown.

At the history center, Killey used to pick up phone calls and enjoyed getting to talk to different people from different places. When he stopped hearing as well on the phone a few years ago, he had to give up that volunteer position.

Despite his age, Killey continues to contribute to his community. He has uplifted his neighbors, his fallen brothers and sisters and reminds those around him of what being thoughtful and generous is all about.