Southfield — A Marine who died after his platoon was ambushed on patrol in Afghanistan was laid to rest Monday.

Seven Marines escorted the flag-draped casket of Lance Cpl. Steven P. Stevens II, 23, out of Hope United Methodist Church as a bagpipe played "Amazing Grace."

Stevens, who grew up in Detroit and was in his first tour of duty in Afghanistan, died June 22, according to the Pentagon.

The marine was deployed March 21, 2012, eight days after his wife gave birth to his only son, Kairo, whom he never met.

"Please watch over our son and help guide him in the right direction," Monique Stevens wrote in the funeral program. "Watch over us from heaven."
Stevens, an avid swimmer, broke city and state records for the backstroke. He graduated from Detroit Technology High School and attended Florida A&M on a full swimming scholarship, but left to join the Marine Corps.