Kenneth G. Wall, 62, Marine and N.J. State Police officer

As a U.S. Marine, he served in Vietnam, in the honor guard at President Dwight D. Eisenhower's funeral, and as sergeant of the guard for President Richard M. Nixon at Camp David.

He went on to spend 25 years in the New Jersey State Police and, after that, worked for the department as a civilian weigh master at a truck-weighing station.

Kenneth G. Wall, 62, of Gloucester City, was described by family and friends as a role model and patriot dedicated to his family, state, and country.

He died Thursday, Oct. 21, at Cooper University Hospital in Camden after suffering chronic liver problems and a heart attack.

Mr. Wall grew up in the Fairview section of Camden, graduated from Camden High School in 1966, and enlisted that year in the Marine Corps.

He served in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967, receiving the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

At home later, Mr. Wall was assigned to Marine Corps headquarters in Washington, where he became part of the honor guard for Eisenhower's funeral in 1969. At one point, he found himself at the Capitol, standing a few feet from national and world leaders who came to pay their respects.

"He was very honored to be part of that moment in history," said Mr. Wall's son, Keith, 35, a Gloucester City police officer. "There were senators, congressmen, the Who's Who of the time."

Mr. Wall also was called on to serve as the sergeant of the guard at Camp David and remembered being at his post on a cold, snowy night when Nixon was walking the grounds.

Nixon "asked my father if he needed anything, and they spoke briefly," Keith Wall said. "My father also got to see the guest book and was pretty impressed by all the names of world leaders who had visited."

Mr. Wall left the active-duty Marine Corps in 1970 and decided to join the New Jersey State Police. He was a member of the agency's 86th state police class in 1971.

"He was there when troopers used to sleep in the barracks," Keith Wall said. "He was at the Mantua, Red Lion, Malaga, and Woodstown barracks.

"He was also one of the first troopers assigned to a truck-inspection station, where trucks were weighed."

Mr. Wall left the state police in 1996 as a sergeant but was hired back as a weigh master at a station in Carneys Point, Salem County.

"He was a great guy who was dedicated to his family, his country, and the state police," said State Police Capt. Kirk McLaughlin. "He was a great trooper, very quiet and unassuming. If you were in the trenches, he was the kind of guy you wanted next to you."

Keith Wall, who also served in the Marine Corps, called his father a role model. The two joined other Marines each year at a South Philadelphia tavern, where they celebrated the Marine Corps' founding.

"My dad was everything I ever wanted to be," he said. "I wanted to accomplish what my dad accomplished. . . . He was my best friend.

"I want his grandkids to know who he was and what he was. I'm really proud of him."

In addition to his son, Mr. Wall is survived by his wife, Angela; three grandchildren; and three brothers.

On Tuesday, the Marine Corps and New Jersey State Police, which Kenneth Wall was so honored to serve, will return the honor during services.

A viewing will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, at the McCann-Healey Funeral Home, 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City, followed by a procession, with state police escort, to Locustwood Memorial Park in Cherry Hill. A state police bagpiper will play, and full Marine Corps military honors are planned.