Our Caring Staff

Each of the funeral directors at Desert Memorial Cremation & Burial is committed to providing your family with the finest in personal end-of-life care. In fact, for years, it’s been comforting for area families to know that we are available to help at any time of the day or night.


When a loved one dies, all you need to do is make one phone call. From that moment on, we’ll take on the responsibilities of the physical care of your loved one, and the emotional care of those left behind.


Please take a few minutes to get to know our funeral directors. We’re sure you’ll find each of us to be all that you would hope for in a trusted funeral professional.

Scott Shade
Scott Shade
Managing Funeral Director
Scott Shade
Managing Funeral Director

Scott was born and raised in Pennsylvania before moving to southern California with his family.  Following high school, Scott attended college and received his degree in criminal justice, he was in law enforcement for 12 years.  In 2013 Scott continued his passion for helping people and joined the family at Hadley-Marcom Funeral Chapel in Visalia, California.  He attended and graduated from Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) receiving his degree in Mortuary Science and became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer.  In 2015 Scott transferred to then Thomas-Robinson Funeral Home in Selma, California,  helping the transition to what is proudly known currently as Thomas-Marcom Funeral Home.  In late 2023, Scott again accepted a new challenge and transferred to Las Vegas, accepting the position of managing funeral director for Desert Memorial Cremation and Burial, Sunrise Cremation Society and Desert Crematory, where he continues his passion for helping families in the funeral industry to this day.


Scott is married to his wife Lupe and proudly have raised 3 children.  Some of his passions include hunting, fishing, watching his kid’s playing sports, reading, and baseball.  Scott is a 30+ year member of the Knight of Columbus and past Grand Knight. 

Jesse Alcala
Jesse Alcala
Assistant Manager
Jesse Alcala
Assistant Manager

Jesse Alcala was born and raised in Southern California before relocating to Las Vegas Nevada. Prior to his funeral industry career, Jesse spent nearly 20 years managing community banks in Southern California. He began as an Administrative Assistant with Legacy Funeral Group after relocating to Las Vegas in 2021. Joining Anthem Partners in 2023, he quickly advanced to his current position as Assistant Manager for Desert Memorial Cremation & Burial, Sunrise Cremations, and Desert Crematory where he holds a Funeral Arranger License and a Notary License. 

Jesse provides vital support to families during their difficult times by guiding them through funeral arrangements. Known for his compassionate approach, he personalizes each service to honor the deceased’s wishes. In addition to assisting families, Jesse supervises the staff at Desert Memorial, Sunrise Cremations, and Desert Crematory fostering a collaborative environment focused on excellent service. His values of trust and empathy drive his interactions with those in grief. 

Some of the hobbies he enjoys outside of work are spending quality time with friends and family, camping, riding ATVs, parasailing, and valuing the connections that enrich his life. 

Alexis Luque
Alexis Luque
Funeral Arranger
Alexis Luque
Funeral Arranger

Alexis Luque is a dedicated funeral arranger based in the state of Nevada. Born and raised in the Central Valley of California, Alexis graduated from Delano High School in 2007 and started working in the funeral industry right after. 


With a deep sense of compassion and care, Alexis helps families navigate through difficult times. Outside of his professional life, Alexis is a proud parent to two amazing kids and loves spending quality time with them. 


In his free time, Alexis enjoys watching sports and finding joy and excitement in the world of athletics.

Cecilia Bell
Cecilia Bell
Funeral Arranger
Cecilia Bell
Funeral Arranger

Cecilia Bell has been a part of the funeral industry since 2018, beginning her career in her hometown in Arizona. In 2019, she relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she continued her path in funeral service, bringing comfort and support to families in a new community.

As a Funeral Arranger, Cecilia is dedicated to guiding families with compassion, empathy, and a calm, steady presence. She believes in the power of meaningful, personalized services to honor a loved one’s life and legacy. Her goal is always to help make difficult times a little easier—and even memorable—for the families she serves.

With a genuine heart for helping others and a deep respect for every story shared, Cecilia takes great pride in the work she does and the lives she touches.

Ali Buggey
Ali Buggey
Administrative Assistant
Ali Buggey
Administrative Assistant

Ali Buggey is the Administrative Assistant for Desert Memorial. She began her career in the funeral industry in 2024 after moving to Nevada with her family from Washington State. 

Ali’s role in the office varies from being a dedicated funeral administrator who expertly assists the funeral arranger, to keeping the case files updated and scheduling appointments for the families, all while showing professionalism and care. With a compassionate approach, Ali ensures that every service runs smoothly, providing essential support to families during their most difficult times.

Ali is married to her husband Chad and together raised a son together. In her free time, Ali loves to ride her motorcycle and go shopping. 

William J Reed
William J Reed
Crematory Operator
William J Reed
Crematory Operator

William J. Reed has been dedicated to his role as a crematory operator since 2014. With a solid commitment to the funeral industry, he provides compassionate care and professionalism in every aspect of his work. Before entering this field, he proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1976 to 1990, where he developed a sense of duty and commitment that he brings to his current role. After his military service, Mr. Reed worked at Good Humor/Bryer Ice Cream from 1990 to 2014. 

Outside of his professional life, William enjoys a variety of hobbies, including model building, camping, hunting, and riding ATVs. These activities reflect his adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors, providing him with a balance to his meaningful work.

Willie Williams
Willie Williams
Funeral Attendant
Willie Williams
Funeral Attendant

Willie Williams, born in Louisiana, has dedicated an impressive 50 years to the funeral industry, a testament to his commitment and compassion for families during their most difficult times. Serving in the US Armed Forces as part of the Army, Willie displayed a strong sense of duty from a young age. 

After spending forty years in California, he made the significant move to Las Vegas in 1993, where he continued to build his career. Since 2015, Willie has worked as a Funeral Attendant with Desert Memorial and Sunrise Cremation, providing support and care to grieving families. 

At 92 years old, Willie’s life extends beyond his professional endeavors. He cherishes moments spent with his family and enjoys outdoor activities like fishing and hunting. His rich experiences and passion for helping others define both his personal and professional life, marking him as a respected figure in his community.