A Father’s Story – the Horrible and Tainted Lionel Dahmer

The events of the life of Lionel Dahmer are both terrible and heartbreaking. This father of the most famous serial killer in American history lived through a myriad of experiences that no parent should ever have to go through. Let’s learn a bit more about Lionel’s story and the legacy of his son, Jeffery.

A Plunge into Tragedy

The life of Lionel Dahmer had already been difficult long before he knew of Jeffery’s secrets. His own father was an alcoholic, which greatly affected his own mental state and physical deterioration. Later in life, his marriage to Jeffery’s mother was unhappy. To make matters worse, the family moved frequently, and it was speculated that this lack of stability contributed to the development of Jeffery’s mental disorder.

In his autobiography, “A Father’s Story”, Lionel reveals the horror of discovering his son’s true deeds. After being denied access to visit Jeffery in jail, he wrote the book in attempt to bring hope and understanding to the difficulties of living with a serial killer. A particularly disturbing description of Jeffery’s state during the time of arrest is given by Lionel, and it has been known to haunt readers: “What took us completely by surprise was Jeffery’s physical condition. His eyes were sunken, giving him an almost zombie-like appearance. He was unshaven and his hair was matted and unkempt, not even recognizable as our son.”

The Unforgettable Aftermath

The Dahmer family paid a heavy toll for the dark mysteries surrounding their home and upbringings. After Jeffery’s death, Lionel elected to write his biography in an attempt to donate the earnings to charities for the families of Jeffery’s victims, such as the “Wisconsin Innocence Fund”. His hope was to improve the lives of those hurt by his son.

Notably, in the autobiography, Lionel tells of the overwhelming guilt he feels for the events surrounding the death of Jeffery’s victims, believing that had he done something then, the situation would have been different. This idea adds another layer to the horror – a father so evidently devoted to his son, suffering so greatly for the terrible episodes that happened in his family.

FAQ For A Father’s Story

What was the family life of Lionel Dahmer like before Jeffery’s crimes were known?

Lionel’s life before learning of his son’s crimes was difficult, with an alcoholic father, failing marriage and frequent moves. It is thought these hardships contributed to the development of Jeffery’s mental state.

What was Lionel’s motivation for writing “A Father’s Story”?

Lionel’s main motivation for writing his autobiography was to donate the proceeds to helping victims and their families. Beyond that, he wanted to provide an inside look into the life of a serial killer and his father, to offer other people hope and understanding.

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