Thousands turn out for veteran's funeral after fears that no family would attend

Thousands have attended the funeral of a US Air Force veteran amid fears none of his family or friends were still alive.

Joseph Walker, 72, of Texas, died on November 19 and was an Air Force veteran who served from 1964-1968, The Hill reports.

A funeral was scheduled for Monday at Central Texas State Veteran’s Cemetery but there were issues finding Mr Walker’s family.

Concerned no one would show up for a man who served in the Air Force for four years, the cemetery issued a plea.

“We have the distinct honour to provide a full military burial for unaccompanied United States Air Force veteran Joseph Walker on Monday,” the cemetery wrote on Facebook.

“If you have the opportunity, please come out and attend.

“We do not leave veterans behind.”

All Faiths Funeral Service tried to contact the Walker family but to no avail, CNN reported.

Senator Ted Cruz also tweeted “no one is expected to attend” after the cemetery couldn’t find the Walker family. He also included the funeral date.

Messages from local police and other members from the community encouraging members of the public to attend seemed to work.

Williamstown County Sheriff Robert Chody tweeted about 5000 people attended Monday’s funeral and added his family are “at large”. He sent a delegation too.

About 40-50 Wind Therapy Freedom Riders, a motorcycle club dedicated to honouring emergency service professionals and veterans, attended, KVUE reported.

Freedom Riders member Luis Rodriguez told KVUE there was “no way” the club was going to let Mr Walker be buried alone.

“He gave so much – he put all of us before himself,” Mr Rodriguez told the news station.

“He put the country before himself so there is no way we weren’t going to give a little of our time to go out there.”

Some of the bikers travelled 80km to be at the funeral, CBS reported.

Resident Irmgard Price told CNN it was an honour to attend the funeral.

“All people should have someone there for them at their funeral,” she told CNN.

The Texas General Land Office described the turnout as “incredible” and included photos of military members in uniform, bikies and residents saluting, and the casket draped in the US flag.

There was also a flyover for Mr Walker.

The general land office later told KVUE Mr Walker’s daughter arrived after the funeral to pay her respects and receiving the flag to honour her father’s service.