Yellow ribbons flapped against the blue sky all along the route to the little cemetery in Shepherd, where Sgt. Terry Lynch's remains were laid to rest Thursday in a poignant burial that brought most of the small farming town out of doors to wave flags and lay roses on his casket.

The funeral procession for Lynch, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan's Wardak Province on June 29, led from St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Billings to Shepherd. More than 20 motorcycles from the Patriot Guard Riders led the procession through farmland to the town's graveyard.

As the burial service began, a nearby cow lowed, called to attention along with the soldiers to honor a small-town boy whose service overseas earned him a Bronze Star for outstanding duty in a combat theater and a Purple Heart.

"I was struck by how modest Terry was, as he told about his promotion to sergeant, his new responsibilities and duties and how he looked forward to being these young men's boss," said family friend Mark Johnson during a halting homily at the funeral Mass in Billings.

Lynch, 22, was in the middle of his second tour with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, and eulogizers remembered him Thursday as a young man who was as serious about serving his country as he was playful and fun-loving in spirit.

The Rev. David Reichling spoke of his penchant for sparkler bombs, go-carts and motorcycles, but also remembered how he began training to serve his country while still in high school.

Johnson described him as an all-American boy, who loved cars, grease, dirt, firecrackers, paint ball and mischief. He also recalled Lynch's determination and dedication to his country, and his "bone-crushing" handshake.

"We as a family, we as a community, and we as a nation are forever grateful," Johnson said.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer and Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger attended the Mass, as did Maj. Gen. Michael Oates of Fort Drum, N.Y., where Lynch was based.

"We are all called to service and Terry in my opinion is a great model for us," Oates said.

Lynch is survived by his father, Charlie, and his sister, Kristin, and her husband, Frank.

They watched with family and friends as he was laid to rest in a grave neighboring the resting places of his mother, Robyn, and elder brother, David. Yellow roses and mementos were placed on his casket. Mourners stood stunned, with their arms clasped and heads bowed.

"Nobody got to say goodbye to Terry, taken so suddenly, so violently, and your last words to him will be precious now," the Rev. Reichling had said in his homily.

Lynch is the 38th Montana soldier lost in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Contact Kahrin Deines at Kdeines@billingsgazette.com or 657-1392.