Even heavy traffic on nearby Interstate 55 could not put a cloud on the serenity found at Friendship Cemetery east of Como Saturday. But an F-16 flyover by Air Force pilots performing the “Missing Man” formation made a thunderous rumble that could be heard for miles. One of four jets (top) representing the “Missing Man” exited the formation and rocketed almost straight up into a clear blue sky, disappearing into the heavens as though to visit the honoree himself, Col. Clyde Bryant “Joe Bob” Phillips III. Phillips spent his early years in Como, served two tours in Vietnam flying over 200 combat missions and was part of the initial multi-national test and tactics evaluation for the F-16, the aircraft used for the flyover. An Air Force news release stated Col. Phillips “was recognized as one of the most skilled fighter pilots in the United States Air Force.” In addition to those attending the interment, others watched from afar. At the Holston Road and I-55 overpass south of Como, several residents gathered waving flags to witness the aerial memorial. The memorial service began at Como United Methodist Church, followed by a military service at Friendship Cemetery where ashes were interred prior to Saturday’s flyover which occurred precisely at 12:10 p.m. The Panolian photo by Rupert Howell