Major Alan Brown died in 1985, shortly after he and his wife had moved from Darlington to Longhoughton.
A services veteran with the Royal Signals Regiment, he died at the age of 50 while he and his wife Kathleen were living in the north Northumberland village.
Mrs Brown was taken seriously ill, and the decision was made to bury her husband locally, in Alnwick.
But he had always wanted to be laid to rest in his home town.
Now, 23 years after his death, Maj Brown has got his wish.
At a Church of England hearing on Monday, it ruled that his ashes could be exhumed and re-interred at West Cemetery, Darlington.
His widow Kathleen, 72, was delighted with the news.
She said: "We had so many happy memories in Darlington and we always hoped we would be buried together here.
"It has taken a while but I am very pleased that this decision has been made.
"We are really delighted that Alan is coming home."
Maj Brown was described as a popular member of the community and had been secretary at Alnwick Town Football Club before his death.
Mrs Brown, who was presented with a memorial cup from the club after her husband's death, said: "Although we didn't live in Longhoughton long he did a lot for the community, especially Alnwick Town Football Club."
Mrs Brown, a retired nurse, said she had written to church authorities last year and an ecclesiastical court hearing was held before the Chancellor of the Diocese of Newcastle, David McClean, who approved the appeal.
Mr McClean said the church would usually rule against applications to have people's remains moved, but he accepted that the burial in Northumberland had been a mistake.
Mrs Brown, who lives at Hunstanworth Road, Darlington, said she thinks that his ashes and memorial will be moved in the next few weeks and she is hoping to attend.
Her and her three daughters hope to hold a memorial service in Darlington.