Edmond Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Laid To Rest

Ed Murray, News 9

EDMOND, Oklahoma -- Funeral services for First Lieutenant Damon Leehan were held Thursday in Edmond. Leehan died in Afghanistan earlier this month when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device during combat operations.

Leehan was on his second tour in Afghanistan with the Oklahoma National Guard's 45th Infantry Brigade. He was the husband of Audrey and daddy to four-year-old Emma and one-year-old Ethan. A couple of Vietnam veterans were just driving by the church and saw the flag waving crowd outside. They stopped, asked why, and joined those paying their final respects.

"This young man that has passed on has embodied the spirit that keeps this country alive. Without veterans and people that will meet the challenge, we would have never become a country and we won't stay that way," said Grady Daniel, a U.S. Navy veteran.

Others in attendance at the funeral are posting about the memorial on the Facebook page, In Memory of 1Lt Damon Leehan.

Most were like this: "The service was beautiful and I was so honored to come celebrate the life of a wonderful man."

Leehan's wife, Audrey, posted a few days ago: "Thank you to each and everyone of you for all the kind words, msgs and prayers. I truely appreciate every single one and am so grateful that the love of my life touched your lives in some way."

Honor guards in the air and the Patriot Guard Riders on the ground escorted Leehan's body to its final resting place. Friends and strangers came together to honor a hero.

01:05:09... Just after 9-11 we saw the same thing. Whether you agree with the politics of it or not... I think it's somewhat less important than honoring the sacrifice these young men make every day for us so that we can have our freedom and be Americans and live in our homes in peace. 01:05:28

Leehan's sister-in-law, Tiffany Nance, told the Edmond Sun Audrey has three sisters that will step in to help with the kids, but the family's bread winner is gone. A fund has been set up to help you can donate at any Bank of Oklahoma location.