Showing posts with label Obits. Show all posts

It's been two years since I posted a happy/sad announcement about the funeral services of my Aunt Laura Allen. Tomorrow, my family will celebrate the Home-Going of my Uncle John Henry Weaver. Preacher, Farmer, Friend, Family-man, and Example. Uncle John walked each day with honesty and justice. He transitioned from earth to heaven in one moment on Sunday August 23.

I am thankful for his friendship, advice, and example. He always had a smile and a good word. To my Aunt Norma, and my cousins-Jamie, Julie, Joel, Jana, and Jennifer- I give my love and prayers.

My wife returned from a few days with her parents with the news that Elisabeth Elliot died today. The inspirational life and story of this giant in Christian faith is one that challenges us all to greater commitment. Perhaps it is the tragic story about the loss of her first husband which spurred her on to greater faith and subsequently has challenged many Christians to live their lives for the purpose of God’s glory. In any case, we must be grateful for the years and inspiration that were granted to us for her life and we can rejoice that she has now joined her lost Jim in worshiping at the feet of the Savior.

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

As our leadership conference was drawing to a close--on the final morning--the man leading morning devotion brought to my attention that yet another of my heroes in faith was gone (and I missed it).

It was about 20 years ago that I was able to meet T.W. Hunt in person. He made time for me--a young minister starting out. I recall that he promised to pray for me (after praying with me that day) and have no doubt that he did so as he approached the throne of God. What I recall from that encounter most of all was the tangible presence of Jesus Christ as we talked for just a few moments.

Few are the people who really bring you into the presence of God, T.W. Hunt was one of them. I am better to have simply met him for a moment.

https://www.baptiststandard.com/news/texas/17302-obituaries-t-w-hunt-robin-feistel

Today, I read that one more in a growing list of artists who pioneered what was once called Contemporary Christian Music passed away yesterday.

Andrae Crouch gave us songs like "Soon and Very Soon" and "My Tribute" and included one of my favorite faith songs - "Through It All".

His influence remains as our condolences go out to his family and friends and we say "See you on the other side" to one who loved the Savior in so many ways. Here's a nice tribute to Andrae Crouch:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2015/january-web-only/remembering-andrae-crouch-dead-at-72.html

Today my family will lay to rest my mother's oldest sister - Laura Allen (Weaver) Weatherford. She passed away on Tuesday (August 20), only one week shy of her 82nd birthday. We will all miss her, and would appreciate all your prayers, especially for her children;  grandchildren; brothers and sisters.

Aunt Laura was one of the most caring, loving people I know. Her commitment to Christ and to missionary work was always the first thing that I thought of when I heard mention of her. Memorial services are this morning.

I learned this evening that another of my faith heroes has gone on to his reward. (http://www.baptiststandard.com/news/texas/15034-baptist-historian-and-professor-leon-mcbeth-dies)

One of the highlights of my seminary education was learning Christian and Baptist History under one who wrote the book (literally). Leon McBeth made studying the dusty old annals of Baptist History fun somehow. The year that his extensive The Baptist Heritage (which he lovingly referred to as "the doorstop") was published, was the year I had Baptist History. Delays in printing caused us to receive our copies of the book which was to be our text for the class six weeks into the semester. Undaunting, Dr. McBeth was kind enough to sign my copy anyway.

Yet another hero who will be missed (by me anyway).

Today, we say good-bye to one of the more powerful voices of faith - George Beverly Shea. Read about it here. And then enjoy one of his more well-known songs:

I've loved "The Good Life" ever since I discovered it had wandered across the Pond and renamed itself "Good Neighbors" for the American audience. Today, I learned that the principle actor - Richard Briers - has died. So we must say, "So long" to a great friend from the screen, and watch a few episodes of self-sufficiency to make the day seem right. (HT to Bill Crider)



Here's a word from Briers' co-star, Penelope Keith. (Apparently she's having some trouble with her earpiece.)

We pray for the close friends and family of General Norman Schwarzkopf, military commander in Desert Storm.

Let us not forget the generals:

I read today where another of my professor/mentors has entered into the presence of the One he loved most on this Earth. Sadly, we say good-bye to Dr. Fish--one of the most authentic witnesses I have had the pleasure to know. (Read the story here.)

If evangelism is a passion, Roy Fish knew this passion well.

Learned the news that another of one who I consider to be a mentor has reached his final reward. You can read the announcement at his website.

As for me, I'll keep reading, and keep the memories of the couple of times I met Calvin Miller in person--He never ceased to exude the aroma of Jesus to all who met him.

It is time now to say good-bye to one of the best, most endearing of the "Sweat Hogs"

Fans of "Keeping Up Appearances" will be sad to learn that Geoffrey Hughes past away. We are now short one more guffaw.

Today, we say, "Good-bye" to another of the long-time visitors to our small screens--Sherman Hemsley. He brought to life characters like George Jefferson (All in the Family; The Jeffersons) and Deacon Ernest Frye (Amen), and a host of cranky characters for other shows.

Well, now that Goober has said, "Hey" in that final journey, Andy has reached his final reward so that he can say his last, "Hey to Goober!" Rest well Andy, Matlock, and all your Griffithness.

http://todayentertainment.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/03/12543460-report-americas-sheriff-andy-griffith-dead-at-86?ocid=ansmsnbc11

A dear friend of the faith and a dear friend all around.

Thomas Kinkade, favorite painter of vast numbers of shoppers in Christian bookstores, is now standing in the Light instead of adding it to his art. http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/06/11064422-painter-of-light-artist-thomas-kinkade-dies-at-age-54

As you already know, we lost '60s heartthrob and Monkees staple Davy Jones to an apparent heart attack at age 66. He's the Monkee that drove the girls crazy and made playing the tambourine cool for all the guys who couldn't play keyboards, guitars, or drums. Here's a clip from his appearance on The Brady Bunch from which the line "Wow, How 'bout the flipside" always comes to mind.



Oh, Marsha, Marsha, Marsha.

A couple of weeks ago I discovered that my good friend from college days succumbed to some major medical issues on Christmas Eve. Don had a genuine spirit of humility about him. In his demeanor you could tell that he was one of those friends. You know the kind, they know nothing but love and kindness. It's really interesting that when he graduated the year before me from OBU, I knew we wouldn't see that much of each other. He was scheduled to wed his college fiancee, and move on to seminary in Kansas City. I had another semester to drudge through in undergrad work and was off to Southwestern in Ft. Worth.

When I talked to Don's wife via e-exchange after learning of his death, she reminded me of something--"Do you remember that song you wrote for us when we got married?" As a matter of fact I didn't and then she mentioned it, and I did.Interestingly, I was going through some old writing, thinking about Don, and found the rough draft of the lyric and a copy of the rough melody still in my possession. So, if you don't mind, I'd like to honor my buddy, Don, and his wife (and son) one more time by sharing this poem (no critics please, but if you'd like to comment an encouraging word to the family, I'll be sure they get it). Below you'll find a scan of the rough copy of the original music (and it's really rough).

It's not very long until your graduation day
You'll soon be getting married and moving far away.
Please just remember to keep God in your plans
And then go together walking hand in hand.
Go together in life's tortures
Go together in life's joys
Go together, go together just like good ol' girls and boys.
Go together in the sunshine tho' life sometimes brings you rain
Go together in your happiness and even in your pain.

Then you'll know you're succeeding when your children praise the Lord.
You'll know God has blest you and your smiles they'll afford.
Just remember what I told you when things seem to get rough,
"Go together with each other and your Father up above."
Go together over mountains
Go together 'cross the sea
Go together, go together 'cause that's how it's meant to be.
Go together when you're crying and also when you smile
Go together, go together, go together all the while.

Go Together

As a seminary student, I had the privilege of serving on staff at Edgemont Park Baptist Church in Mesquite, Texas. One of the deacons was my good friend--he didn't necessarily mean to be, but he was. Periodically, I would reach into my suit jacket pocket (the decorative ones on the side of the jacket), and discover a twenty dollar bill there. The first time or two I was oblivious, and then one Sunday, I caught him. I felt the tug on my coat, and looked over my shoulder in time to see him with a sheepish, guilty grin.

He was also ready with sage advice--whether he agreed with you or not (and he had no qualms in letting you know he disagreed--but he did this agreeably), he loved you and you knew it. His love for the pastors and staff of his local church was simply an extension of his love for Jesus.

I learned today that he's gone to his reward. He will be missed. My heart aches with the memory and with the knowledge that some new Youth Guy won't have that touch and wisdom to bless him. Good-bye Doug Hendrix, you will be missed. Welcome to an eternity with your Savior.