Soldier electrocuted at Fort Benning buried in Arkansas

<p>Mourners poured out of a small funeral home chapel on Saturday after services remembering Pvt. Van Ryan Marcum, 21, who was electrocuted last week during training exercises at Fort Benning, Ga.</p><p>Speakers remembered the soldier, who had only been in the Army for three months, as an athletic and respectful man who loved his family.</p><p>"We all knew Ryan differently," said Mark Hall, Marcum's church youth group leader. "He was one of the funniest guys I knew, was always up to something and had that crooked smile."</p><p>Marcum was halfway through his 14-week basic infantry training when he touched a charged metal structure at a training range on June 19, the Army said.</p><p>A photo display of Marcum's life was set up outside the funeral home chapel.</p><p>Marcum's uncle Paul Henley of Hope said the young soldier showed respect to those who felt they did not deserve it.</p><p>"He was committed to his new adventures," Henley said. "He kept us informed on what he was doing and the skills he was learning. He knew the perils he could face after getting out of basic training. He wanted to be an Airborne Ranger."</p><p>Hall said Marcum would be smiling down on his friends and family.</p><p>"It's sad he's not in our presence any longer, but we will see him again," Hall said.</p><p>Kevin Smead, the funeral's officiator, said Marcum was very ambitious and wanted to do all he could for his country, God and family.</p><p>"Ryan died doing something he believed in," Smead said. "He died a heroes death, fulfilling his obligation to his country, government and people. He died knowing he was loved."</p><p>Smead said Marcum dreamed of going to college, but did not get the chance.</p><p>"He would appreciate and respect the strength shown by those who have spoken about him," Smead said. "He would respect it."</p><p>Marcum was buried with full military honors at Harmony Cemetery in Sutton, Ark.</p>