Dad was born with a servant's heart.
Dad served hi God, his family, and his country.
Dad served his Savior, Jesus Christ. Dad was such a strong believer in Christ that he taught us about God from an early age. I can never remember a time that I did not know about God. he took us to church every Sunday. He always had his Bible on the end table next to his place on the couch. If there was ever anything he did not think was appropriate for us to see on TV, he would quickly change the channel. He led by example; I never heard him cuss, saw him drunk, or go to bed in anger. Whatever his sins were, he hid them very well.
He served his family. He was a faithful husband and dedicated father. He was always there for us and sacrificed his wants for ours. He worked so hard so that Mom could stay home with us. Every birthday and Christmas was filled with gifts and joy and family. He was always there for my mother, sister and me. We played sports, went on church and school trips, and he always provided. He was a faithful husband. He was devoted to Mom for 45 years. I could see them grow closer year after year. His last act on earth was serving by taking his son-in-law and granddaughter to church.
He served his country in the Korean War. He left his family as a teenager off to a strange land and faced challenges that only few of us could imagine. His faith was very important there. I remember him telling me a story that when they were being over-run with enemy forces, he was sure he was a goner. He said his prayer, "If it is your will, Lord, then I am coming home." He told me of a peace and comfort that took hold of him. He said no matter what happened, he knew he would be OK. He told me that story after he had open-heart surgery. I asked him if he was scared going into the surgery. He said, "I was really afraid, and then I said my prayer to God about His will and His plan and if it was my time - I am OK with it." Again, he felt the Holy Spirit comfort him and Dad knew he would be OK either way. I know in my heart that on Sunday night, when he collapsed, he did not even have to say his "God's will" prayer. I know that he was comforted and knew everything would be OK.
He loved life. He fought every day against diabetes and heart disease. He took his medicine routinely and walked every day - rain or shine; hot or cold. He was not going to give up.
He loved every holiday. Each holiday will come with its own Dad memory. Christmas night driving around with our new favorite toy looking at Christmas lights - we would drive all over the city! Fourth of July, we would eat watermelon, homemade ice cream, and at night, watch the big fireworks display over Red Mountain. Easter we would wake up to a chocolate bunny and off to church then Easter lunch with the Helms' and Sheffield's. Halloween, he would play scary ghost stories and Halloween sounds on his record player and borrow candy from our plastic pumpkins. Many of his traditions will live on in my family with my son Daniel, who loved seeing his Grandpa.
He was a hard worker and took God's commandment of resting one day of the week, but he sure worked the other six days of the week. Saturdays were not for naps and golf, but yard work and honey do's.
He was such a kind man. I do not know of any enemies he had. Every one that met him liked him. I cannot name one person that he had a grudge against or contempt for. He loved his country. The last few years, every prayer he said included one for our nation.
And I would be in trouble with my cousins if I did not mention that he would always entertain them by his impression of..... Donald Duck!
Dad - we know you are in heaven and in a better place. But, we will sure miss you and we thank you for your example, your sacrifices, and your faith. If more people had your qualities, this earth would be a much better place. Thank you.