Man tries to raise money to pay for road signs honoring fallen Gordonville soldier

The two-year anniversary of Sgt. Brad Skelton's death in Iraq is Feb. 6, and Skelton's friend, Ross Gartman, is organizing a fundraiser to help the Skelton family raise enough money to pay for the two signs that will bear his name on Interstate 55 at Route K in Cape Girardeau.

The Gordonville Grill will donate 10 percent of sales on Feb. 6 to the Skelton family to help complete their $2,200 contribution to the Heroes Way program, which establishes highway exit signs honoring fallen soldiers.

Gartman said the hope is to hold a ceremony Memorial Day weekend to honor Skelton's sacrifice. Gartman said they will also accept donations that day at the restaurant to help pay for the signage for fallen soldiers Robert Davis and Jeremy Shank. The goal is to get signage for Davis at the Center Junction interchange. Skelton, of Gordonville, was killed in Iraq when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.