On November 28th, our family lost a man whose strength, love, and kindness touched countless lives. My father, Jesse Mike, was 66 years old — a wonderful dad, a strong father figure to many, and someone who helped anyone in need. He loved all 30 of his grandchildren deeply and unconditionally.

My dad battled end-stage renal disease, liver disease, congestive heart failure, and stage 3 pancreatic cancer. Even with all of these diagnoses, he fought with everything in him until the very end. His determination, courage, and faith never wavered.

My father worked many years as a custodian for the Hazelwood School District, where he became a familiar and beloved face at Kirby Jr. High and Hazelwood East High School. Students, teachers, and staff all knew him for his warm smile, his hard work, and his willingness to go above and beyond for others.

We initially planned to have a traditional funeral with a burial, because that is what he deserved. But we recently discovered that his life insurance was accidental death only, meaning it will not cover any of his actual funeral or burial expenses. This has left us heartbroken and overwhelmed, trying to figure out how to honor him while facing unexpected financial hardship.

Because of this, we are now having to look at cremation, even though it was never our first choice. We are discouraged and devastated that we cannot bury him the way he deserved, simply because the funds are not there.

We have planned his service for December 20th — viewing at 11 AM, service at 12 PM, and burial at 1 PM — but we cannot move forward without financial help.

I am humbly asking for donations to help us cover his funeral and final arrangements, so we can give him the peaceful and respectful farewell he earned through a lifetime of love, service, and sacrifice. Any amount helps, and sharing this link means just as much.

Thank you for reading, donating, and supporting our family during this painful time. My father, Jesse Mike, was truly one of a kind, and we want to honor him the best way we can.