Honoring a Veteran's Legacy with Compassion

Hello,

I am raising money to pay for the cremation of my father, Stephen Lashlee. He was a good man, born 12/21/1940, the oldest of three children. His father was a Retired LT Col in the Air Force, and his mom a homemaker.

He joined the Army, and did a tour in Vietnam, as a diesel mechanic. After his time with the Army, he joined the Navy, and did yet another tour in Vietnam, as a diesel mechanic. He preferred the Navy, and always shared stories about his time in the Service.

He met my mother, Toni, in 1974. Theirs was a whirlwind relationship, and soon they were married, and I was on my way. After I was born, my father decided to be a stay-at-home dad. He was attentive and caring, and loved to read me stories before bed.

My father was a proud Grandfather. He loved his grandchildren very much, and was deeply honored to learn that his first born grandson would carry his name, and that of his father. Each new grandchild, brought more joy to his face.

My father and my mother had a love that I always wanted. They cared deeply about each other, and they were always there for the other. When my mother was very sick, she made me promise to take care of my father, if she passed, and I told her I would.

In one year, my father suffered the greatest losses, his wife and my mother, his brother, and his best friend of over 40 years.

Nearly 20 years later, I did the best I could with what I had. My father got sick in May of this year (2024). I had to make the heartbreaking decision to move him into a hospice care center. A friend of mine suggested that when he passed, I donate his body to science, hoping that they could find cure or treatments for Dementia and Heart issues.

I had everything planned, and I knew it was the right thing to do. My family supported it, and I knew that my dad would as well. On September 21, 2024, I received the call that he was passing, and to get to the facility. My daughter and one of my sons and I were there. We said our goodbyes to my father, and early the next morning, he passed.

After talking to friends and family, I decided to seek the advice of an attorney, who ordered an immediate autopsy, as it is believed that my father was neglected and malnourished at the time of his death.

Now, I have to find a cremation center in Las Vegas/Henderson to do the cremation. I have averaged out the cost to around 1500. My father wished to have his ashes mixed with my mothers and spread under a Saguaro Cactus in Arizona.

All monies raised will go towards the cost of the cremation. Any extras would be either returned to the sender or donated.

My father is being stored in a refrigerator, and this KILLS me! He served his country, two tours in Vietnam, a Retired Security Officer, Graduate from ASU, Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather. He doesn't deserve this. Please help if you can.