Reading, Kan. — Family and friends said good-bye to a Kansas soldier this morning.

29-year-old Sgt. Michael Chenoweth died August 27 in Plainview, Ark.

He was buried in Reading this morning following a procession that included members of the Patriot Guard, law enforcement and members of the military community.

The Patriot Guard held flags and served as a barrier for mourners trying to avoid protesters.

Members of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka showed up to protest Chenoweth's funeral. The church, led by Rev. Fred Phelps, protests military funerals across the country, saying the deaths are God's punishment for the nation's tolerance for homosexuality.

Chenoweth served in the U.S. Navy and was an Army veteran of the Iraq war.

He was stationed in Iraq, but was on leave at the time of his death.

The son of Melvin L. and Linda F. Richardson Chenoweth, he was born June 4, 1978, at Harveyville. Chenoweth graduated in 1996 from Northern Heights High School at Allen.

Chenoweth is survived by four sisters, Vicki Seastrom and Lori Luna, both of Emporia, Bobbi Rayzor of Topeka and Julie Chenoweth of Plainview, Ark.; four brothers, Chuck Chenoweth, Bruce Chenoweth and Milton Chenoweth, all of Reading, and Doug Chenoweth of Arkansas, and his maternal grandmother, Evelyn Richardson of Topeka.

Memorial contributions in his name may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 43, Lebo, KS 66856.

Tune in to 49 News at 6 and 10 for video footage and interviews with Patriot Guard members.

The Emporia Gazette contributed to this report.