It's been nearly 6 decades since U.S. Air Force Veteran Lieutenant Robert Dees went missing in North Korea.

On Thursday, his family and friends celebrated a man, whose life was cut short.

News 4's Demetria McClenton sat down with Lieutenant Dees' family at a memorial ceremony in Ozark.

Lieutenant Dees was only 25 when his aircraft took a direct hit back in 1952.

At the time, Dees' family assumed he was dead.

But, thanks to modern technology, a DNA sample provided the missing link to change Dees' Missing in Action status.

A few hammers in the ground, turned into a line of flags for a hero's welcome.

Veterans honor one of their own First Lieutenant Robert Dees.

“When I saw the hearse come up it gave me chills," said Carroll High School Army Instructor, Anthony Hill.

From the time Dees' remains touched the ground he was escorted from Pensacola to his final resting place in Ozark by police, sheriff's deputies and members of the Patriot Guard.

Carroll High School Drill Team raised the POW/MIA flag, but as the flag was lowered to half-staff emotions began to run over.

“Now may he rest in peace in his home soil," said Harry Grainger with the Ozark Disabled American Veterans.

Bringing Lieutenant Dees back to Ozark was a top priority for his family.

Family members say he was previously listed as an unknown soldier at the National Memorial Cemetery in Hawaii.

“I was just devastated because I was expecting for him to come home," said Camille Land Payne, cousin of Lt. Dees.

Payne says it took a year and a half until they finally proclaimed him dead.

In 1999, the U.S. Air Force called the Dees family requesting a blood sample from Lt. Dees’ brother.

"And then the next week he was on the phone asking how things were going on the identification," said Robert Dees, who named after Lt. Dees.

It wasn't until this December that the Air Force was able to determine a match for Dees.

Dees' family says this final step will bring closure to a 58-year mystery and they will not forget the lessons he taught.

“He taught me how to ride and how to shoot, probably a lot of things my family wish I hadn't learned," said Payne.

Lieutenant Dees will be laid to rest Saturday at Longstreet Historical Cemetery at 1:00 pm.

The family will depart Fuqua-Bankston funeral Home with Lt. Dees and family at 12:15 pm.

For more information on the funeral visit www.fuquabankston.com.