WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- The remains of an Air Force colonel from Polk County shot down in Vietnam in 1966 have been laid to rest.

Col. Peter Stewart's remains were identified a couple of months ago and they were flown into Tampa on Saturday.

His funeral and military honors were held at the St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Winter Haven Monday morning.

Stewart's widow, Marnie, and children were there for the funeral.

"But for these kids it was well deserved," said granddaughter Margaret Stewart. "For my family it was well deserved. And everyone is just proud and honored to be here to welcome him home."

Air Force jets performed a missing man flyover at the conclusion of the ceremonies to commemorate Stewart's decades of MIA status. 

A motorcycle group called Patriot Guard Riders was there to provide extra security. One of them was Vietnam vet Bernie Conner.

"Every mission that we do is emotional. I don't care what it is. But in this case, yes, it is a little special to me because one of my brothers is home," he said. 

Marnie Stewart and Stewart's children were presented with folded American flags.

"He was a loving father, a great husband, faithful countryman, just and all-around great guy," said Margaret Stewart.

Stewart's St. Christopher medal was found where he had been buried near the crash site. It was on display in the lobby of the church during the funeral.