Our Staff

Our Staff

Funeral Directors; Ed Leon, Kirk Cheda, Rylee James and Crematory Manager; Juan Lopez

Telephone: 1-707-996-3655

Edward Leon

Owner and Funeral Director/Embalmer

Edward "Ed" Leon purchased Duggan's Mission Chapel in December 2016 after the retirement of Marilyn Duggan Caselli (who managed the family business for decades). A native of Windsor, CA, Ed enrolled in the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science about a year after graduating from high school and has worked in the industry since. Ed has worked in Petaluma, Mill Valley, San Anselmo and Sonoma. He is one of the last funeral home owner-operators left in the Bay Area, as more and more mortuaries are corporately-owned. He is a member of ICF St. James Branch 161 and Sons of Italy. Ed enjoys traveling and adventuring around the world.

Embalmer's License # EMB 8320

Funeral Director's License #FDR 1633

Crematory Manager License #CRM 895

Email: 

Kirk Cheda

Funeral Director and Embalmer

Born and raised in West Marin, Kirk graduated from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science.

After working in the funeral industry for many years with his uncle, Leroy Cheda, in Mill Valley, he continued his profession in Petaluma, Sebastopol, Santa Rosa and now Sonoma. 

Embalmer's License #EMB 7460

Funeral Director's License #FDR 1369

Crematory Manager License #CRM 894

Email: 

Kevin Shields

Pre-Planning Advisor

Kevin Shields guides individuals and families through pre-planning with compassion, clarity, and respect. He works closely with each family to create thoughtful funeral and cremation plans that honor personal wishes while providing peace of mind for loved ones.

As a licensed California Life Insurance professional, Kevin helps families understand practical funding options that make planning ahead simple and secure. Known for his approachable nature and commitment to service, he believes pre-planning is one of the most meaningful gifts a person can leave their family.

Kevin is proud to serve the Sonoma community by providing trusted guidance and personalized care.

CA Insurance License #4370188

Telephone: 1-510-921-8465

Email: 

Rylee James

Funeral Counselor and Apprentice Embalmer

Rylee is an Air Force veteran who is new to Sonoma county. However, as a native of Pioneer, California, she’s no stranger to small town communities. Rylee received her degree in mortuary science from American River college and has been working in the funeral industry for three years. She enjoys hiking, fishing, and all things outdoors. Above all else, she enjoys serving her community.

California Apprentice License # AE 14108