Katy soldier killed in Blackhawk crash remembered in funeral

KATY, TX (KTRK) -- Friend and family laid to rest a Kay man killed in a Blackhawk helicopter crash just three days before Thanksgiving.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael F. Tharp, 40, was one of four soldiers who died in the Fort Hood crash, that army officials described as a routine training mission.

Hundreds of service men and women gathered at American Heritage Funeral Home in Katy Monday morning. The procession to the nearby veteran's cemetery was led by bagpipers.

Tharp had deep roots in Katy, raised as one of five children, graduating Katy High School in 1994.

His sister told Eyewitness News Tharp had the opportunity to retire in September before the crash, but he wanted to continue flying and training.

The crash is still under investigation.