Father's ashes stolen from car

AUSTIN (KXAN) - An Air Force veteran's ashes stolen just a day before his family planned to bury his remains in Austin. His family members are pleading for help so the 89-year-old man can rest in peace.

"He insisted quite hardly that when he died he be buried with his wife,” said daughter Charlene Postell.

The Postells had planned to spend eternity side by side. Plans shattered by a thief who busted the glass of this car window when the family stopped for a quick bite to eat at Schlotzky's on South Lamar Thursday afternoon. It was just a day before Charles Postell was to be put to rest at Cook Walden Cemetery in Pflugerville.

"They bought the space for my dad the name is on the ground,” said Postell. "We planned the internment for eight o’clock this morning."

The car burglar stole a Coach purse that had the ashes inside of a box with Charles Postell's name on it. That purse belonged to a niece, who had just flown in with the ashes from Massachusetts.

"We just got a commendation for him in the mail with President Obama's stamp on it for his 30 year service to his country,” said Postell.

Police took fingerprints, hoping to match anyone with a previous record. The credit cards inside the purse have been used. However, for the family, it's not about getting the purse or the money back. They just want Charles Postell's dying wish to be granted.

“It's the fact that my dad wanted to be buried next to my mom and someone has taken that opportunity away and hopefully temporarily," Postell said. "Cook Walden has offered that $500 for his return."