Sgt. First Class Bobby Estle left behind a legacy of leadership and heroics, a commanding said Tuesday at the fallen soldier’s funeral.

“The presence here (at the funeral) of his company commander and a young specialist (from Estle’s company) speaks volumes of the leadership Sgt. Estle provided,” said Mark Milley, Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division in a eulogy at the Cornerstone Church of God in Lebanon. “They loved him, they respected him, the younger soldiers wanted to be like him. He was their mentor, their coach, he was very much their example of what a sergeant should be.”

Estle, 38, was shot in the stomach and killed on July 29 when his unit was attacked with small arms fire in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan, according to Army reports.

Estle was posthumously honored with a Bronze Star (the second he had earned in his career) and a purple heart which Milley presented to Estle’s widow.

Estle was a 1992 graduate of the Warren County Career Center. He had served in the military for 20 years and was on his fourth tour of duty, two in Iraq and two in Afghanistan. He was scheduled to return home on Oct. 22.

“Is it worth it? I ask myself that every night,” Milley said. “Sgt Estlie fought for our rights. Every one of our rights were paid for by his blood. If you think those rights are worth having, if you think this democracy is worth preserving, then you’ll have your answer…He gave his all, he gave his life, so that we could live ours. There is no greater sacrifice.”

“We lost a good friend today, a good husband today, a good soldier today,” said The Rev. Darryl Kilburn at the funeral ceremony

More than 100 people lined up outside the Cornerstone Church and many others stood roadside as a hearse carrying the fallen soldier made it’s way to the Deerfield Cemetery in South Lebanon, where Estle was laid to rest.

“I thought it was important to honor him and try to show some comfort for his family,” said Mindy Banks, of Lebanon, who brought three of her children to the funeral procession. “I have an extensive military family and there’s great patriotic importance to being here.”

“I just want to show (Sgt. Estle) the respect he deserves,” said Banks daughter, Molly Helton, 17. “To give your life for your country is something we should all show respect for.”

Estle is survived by his wife Monica, and three children, J.R. Marston, 20, Anthony Estle, 19, and Marieanna Estle, 12, a seventh grader at Lebanon Junior High School; his parents Robert and Debra Howard; and brother Rob Howard.