Over the past few weeks, my life has completely changed. My father, Steven Richard Maupin, passed away unexpectedly, and as the oldest child, the responsibility of handling everything has fallen on me. From making calls, waiting on answers, and trying to navigate everything that comes after a loss like this, it’s been overwhelming to say the least.

After weeks of researching and reaching out, I’ve come to the difficult realization that my dad did not have anything set up to cover end-of-life expenses. That means the financial responsibility now rests on me. My dad worked hard his entire life, and he deserves to be laid to rest with dignity. I am asking for help to cover cremation costs, travel to Arkansas to retrieve his ashes, time off work while handling these arrangements, gas and travel expenses, and fulfilling one of his final wishes — to have his ashes taken to the Grand Canyon.

This process has required and will continue to require a significant amount of travel, time, and emotional energy. Between driving back and forth and stepping away from work to handle everything properly, the financial strain has become more than I can manage alone. This isn’t easy for me to ask. I’ve kept his passing very private, and reaching out like this is something I never imagined I would have to do. But I want to honor my dad in the way he deserves, and I can’t do it on my own. If you’re able to help in any way — whether through a donation or simply sharing this — it would mean more to me than I can express.