ADEL, Iowa — The body of Maj. Brad Hovey, an Adel native killed last month in a B-52 bomber accident, will be returned to his hometown this week for public honors and a private burial, officials and family notices say.
Procession, visitation and burial plans
Hovey, 35, died after the bomber went down during a routine test flight shortly after departing Edwards Air Force Base in California. His remains are scheduled to arrive in Iowa with a formal procession from the Des Moines airport to Adel.
- The procession is expected to depart the Des Moines airport between noon and 12:30 p.m.
- Route: west on Interstate 80, then north through Dallas Center, arriving at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel between 1 and 2 p.m.
- Public visitation: July 16 at New Hope Church in Adel from 1–7 p.m.
- Burial: scheduled at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel on July 17.
Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered state and public flags to be flown at half-staff through sunset on July 17 to honor Hovey.
What the community can expect
Officials have asked Iowans to line the procession route to pay respects as Hovey’s remains travel to his final resting place. The procession will travel a stretch of I-80 and local roads; drivers and residents along that corridor should expect increased activity and possible temporary traffic slowdowns during the noon–2 p.m. window.
The visitation at New Hope Church is open to the public during the listed hours. Family notices and funeral home information identify Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home as handling arrangements in Adel.
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Procession departs Des Moines airport | Friday | Noon–12:30 p.m. |
| Arrive Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home | Friday | 1–2 p.m. |
| Public visitation (New Hope Church) | July 16 | 1–7 p.m. |
| Interment (Iowa Veterans Cemetery) | July 17 | Time not specified |
Local and statewide resonance
For a small town like Adel, the return of a hometown service member killed in a high-profile military accident is both a moment of collective mourning and public recognition. Processions and public visitations allow residents to honor military service while marking the impact of distant events on local families. The governor’s order to lower flags underscores the statewide recognition of Hovey’s service.
Those planning to line the route or attend the visitation should be prepared for crowds and follow guidance from local law enforcement and funeral officials. News Block will update this item if additional details about the burial service or public ceremonies become available.
Copyright 2026. Reporting from Adel.
