When a community in Tennessee heard that a marine veteran’s body was going “unclaimed,” they knew that they had to do something. No one deserves to be buried alone, especially someone who risked so much for our country, so a military Facebook group rallied to the cause.
“We have an unclaimed veteran being buried with no family,” the post began.
Leo Stokley, 69, of Murfreesboro, TN passed away on Sunday, November 4, 2018, at the Waters of Cheatham in Ashland City. Leo served his country in the United States Marine Corps and did a tour of duty in Vietnam. Leo will be buried with Military Honors on Friday, November 9, 2018, at the Middle Tennessee Veteran’s Cemetery in Nashville, TN at 10:00 am.”
“Please support so he is not buried alone,” it concluded.
The post picked up steam across the community’s social media, alerting enough people to Leo’s funeral that when the day finally came, a large group of strangers were standing there in support of a man who would have otherwise been buried without a sufficient tribute to his service.
People from the Murfreesboro area and far beyond came to the service, doing their part to thank Leo for what he had done.
“My daughter, who lives in Knoxville, actually sent me the link on Facebook last night. She knows I live here, I work here. She said can you show up, I said heck yeah I can show up,” said Kay-Lynn Carew, one of the people in attendance.
Alan Desmond, another funeral attendee says that he feels good about the marine’s sendoff.
“I really feel that this man, that started off Sunday with no family – I believe he’s gonna have a good going home,” he said.
“I was just so happy that there were so many people who showed up. He would’ve loved it,” added Cay Cross, Leo’s caregiver up until he passed away.
So much support was raised for the deceased veteran that the story even received news coverage. We’re just glad Leo got the kind of sendoff he deserved.
