Billy B. Farris, a member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming who grew up on the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, was killed in Iraq on December 3.

Farris, 20, died when an improvised explosive device was detonated in Baghdad. He was conducting an escort operation.

Family and friends on the Gila River Reservation recalled Farris as a jokester. He often visited his relatives on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, his aunt said.

A memorial service is being held Tuesday.

Get the Story:
Soldier from Gila River community remembered (The Arizona Republic 12/9)
Arizonan, 20, dies in Iraq after IED blast (AP 12/9)
Family mourns death of Ft. Lewis soldier (KOMO 12/9)

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