More than 500 people gathered at Hope United Methodist Church in Southfield during his funeral service Monday -- many wiping tears from their eyes as they paid their respects to 23-year-old U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Steven Stevens II, who was killed on June 22 while serving in Afghanistan.
His wife, Monique Stevens, said Sunday that 3-month-old Kairo, their only child, heard his father's voice on the phone and that her husband saw him over Skype and in photos and videos she sent.
"Please watch over our son and help guide him in the right direction," she wrote in a message to her husband included in the funeral program. "Watch over us from heaven."
Elisha Andreson writes that Steven Stevens will be remembered by his family and friends for his big heart and infectious smile. Between the tears, memories of him brought smiles during the emotional service, as his flag-draped casket sat in the front of the church.
