Honor Christopher B. Deer: Help Us Lay Him to Rest

My name is Kellee and I started this GoFundMe for my cousin Christopher B. Deer, who passed away on March 1, 2025, from complications due to colon cancer. The time span from diagnosis to death was 1 year and 4 months, and despite the excruciating pain he was in, Chris fought hard!

Chris was not only a U.S. Marine but also a Homeland Security officer, therefore, no stranger to being tough. He was proud to serve his country! Sadly, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) does not cover deaths that are not in the line of duty, and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) only reimburses $2K.

We, his family, are raising funds to funeralize and bury Chris. He passed away in the hospital in New York and requested to be buried in FL to be near his 7 and 8-year-old son and daughter—who witnessed their father take his last breath—so they will be able to visit him whenever they want.

Our deepest desire is to bury our beloved Chris the way he served, with dignity and honor.

No one is perfect and neither was Chris, however, he was ours and we loved him deeply. He had a huge heart and was a very giving person. He loved to help, was always giving advice, and he loved to laugh and joke! His smile was the absolute best. Please help us lay him to rest and allow him to finally sleep in peace.

Thank you so much for your love, support, donations, and prayers. Everything helps.