WESLACO – Rio Grande Valley hero Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez's body arrived in the Valley Friday evening, according to Highland Funeral Home. 

The Weslaco funeral home's director, Robert Lugo, told CHANNEL 5 NEWS the funeral procession will still happen Saturday morning. He said a last-minute change of plans due to flight delays at Dallas Airport led Hernandez's body to arrive earlier than scheduled. 

Family, friends and various agencies will be collaborating to honor Hernandez and make his final welcome home a special one.

Related Story: Valley Mother of Fallen Hero Reminisces About Son

The following is a timeline of what will take place on Saturday.

• A procession led by Weslaco fire and police departments, the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, county constables and America’s Last Patrol will escort him and his family from the airport.
• They will make a stop at his childhood home before heading to the funeral home.
• A moment of silence will be held when he takes his final moments at his home.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS is told arrangements for a community visitation are still in the works. We will be bringing you the funeral procession live during our morning newscast and on Facebook Live.

Both Hernandez’s mother and his spouse said it’s been difficult getting every detail squared away. They said his memory is what’s keeping them strong.

Hernandez died aboard the U.S.S. Fitzgerald when it collided with a Japanese container ship.  He was one of seven sailors killed earlier this month.