PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

Rev. David Warren Hotchkiss

United States Navy
Cold War Era Veteran

Multi-City, NY - 01-16-2026

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 1, Region 2

About the Mission:

The family of US Navy Cold War Era veteran Reverend David Warren Hotchkiss has requested Patriot Guard Riders' participation in honoring his life and service to our nation. Rev. Hotchkiss of Dansville, NY passed away on 10 January 2026.

Rev. Hotchkiss served our nation on active duty in the US Navy from 3 July 1962 - 8 July 1965, and attained the rating/rank of ABH2 - Aviation Boatswain's Mate, Aircraft Handler, Petty Officer Second Class (E-5). He served aboard the Midway-class aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, (CVA-42), primarily in the Mediterranean with the Sixth Fleet.

Navy veteran Hotchkiss went on to become a beloved pastor at both the Scottsburg and Conesus United Methodist Churches. Quoting from the Dougherty Funeral Home obituary: "In addition to his pastoral ministry, David served his community as Spiritual Coordinator for the Livingston County Hospice Program for 30 years. Dave also served on several denominational boards through the United Methodist Church."

Full Obituary:  Click here to view full obituary

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

01-16-2026 at 10:00am

Staging Location:

Livonia United Methodist Church
21 Summers Street
Livonia, NY 14487
Click here for map

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Don Higgins, RC, Reg-1
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Special Information:

PGR will provide a respectful flag line for arrival of family and friends, and for the dignified transfer of Rev. Hotchkiss from the hearse into the church. The Celebration of Life service is scheduled to commence at 11:00 AM, during which PGR will stand down. Following completion of the service, PGR will provide a flag line for the dignified transfer of Rev. Hotchkiss to the hearse. We will then prepare for the escort (with Livingston County Sheriff's Office assistance) to Union/Scottsburg Cemetery, Rt. 256, Scottsburg for burial with military honors.

Please be prepared with a clean 3x5 American or US Navy flag, dress for the weather, and ensure your large flags are securely attached to your vehicle for the escort. Thank you for devoting your time to assist in honoring the US Navy Cold War era service of Rev. David Warren Hotchkiss, and to support his loving family. If you are unable to participate in this Primary Stage, please consider participating in the Second Stage as outlined below.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

yes

Second Staging Date and Staging Time:

01-16-2026 at 12:15pm

Second Location:

Union/Scottsburg Cemetery
State Route 256 (West Swamp Road)
(Just South of Guiltner Road)
Scottsburg, NY 14545
Click here for map

Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Don Higgins, RC, Reg-1
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Second Stage - Special Information:

(For reference, look for the NYS Historic Marker for Captain Daniel Shays)
Please be prepared with a respectful flag line with your clean 3x5 American or US Navy flag for arrival of the escorted funeral cortege.  Please be advised that parking at this location on Rt. 256 and in the cemetery is always a challenge, particularly in the winter. Please use good judgement, and try to leave room for potential Legion/VFW and US Navy Honor Detail members.

Thank you for devoting your time to assist in honoring the US Navy service of Rev. David Hotchkiss, and to support his loving family.

Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Don Higgins, RC, Reg-1

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