Funeral For Committed Christian Man

Ken Anonymous Memorial Service (Names changed)

Ingram Funeral Home

David K. Simpson, Minister, Lanier Christian Church

Song

Today we remember the life of a dear Christian man, Kenneth Anonymous. We can sing today and smile today and even laugh today because we know Ken is home. His heavenly home, the home we were made for as believers in Christ.

Today we come together to remember Ken and to find comfort from the Lord of all comfort and peace. We also come to receive encouragement from God’s word and the kind expressions of family and friends.

Today we remember and thank God for a wonderful man whose faith in his Lord was strong, whose love for his wife and family was obvious, and whose friendship was endearing. We remember his life today with fondness and thanksgiving for having known this delightful man.

But let’s begin first today with a reminder from God’s Word. The psalmist of the Bible said: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18) Even though our hearts are heavy, the Lord is very near today. With those comforting words of Scripture, will you bow your heads with me in prayer.

PRAYER

“Loving heavenly Father, you promised to help us in our time of need. Bestow your tender mercies to this entire family here today. Shower them with strength from your Holy Spirit. Encourage them with your promises. Guide us today as we reflect upon Kenneth's life and bring honor to you. Give us eyes of faith that we can see the eternal blessing that is now his. Strengthen us with hope today and always. In the name of Christ we pray, Amen.”

Remarks from family–

Song:

Some of the most comforting words of Scripture I know are:

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Eulogy – David Simpson

There is a peace today, a release even. No longer is Ken struggling against a terrible illness, but instead is enjoying the freedom of a peaceful eternity. Ken's life on this earth ended too soon. How we wish we could keep him here with us just a little longer. But the Lord has a home prepared for those who love him. It's the home we were meant for as believers. It's Ken Anonymous' home now and it's a perfect home, freed from the pains of this life.

We remember today a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and dear friend.

He is survived today by his wife of 53 years, Sally; his children and their families: John, Dallas, Reno, Tim, Tyler. Sisters & Brothers, along with their spouses: Joe, Sally, Bonnie, Tom.

Born in Smalltown USA…. Went to school at…..entered navy and served……

As a young man, Ken met the love of his life in Sally,

They eventually were married and shared life together for 53 years of marriage. Ken and Sally spent much of their married and family life in North Georgia, but due to his work in construction, they lived in different places around the country for years at a time.

Ken was a trusted employee of Best construction. He served as a construction supervisor for some of their biggest projects. I always thought Ken was the toughest man I knew. He had fallen off of a ladder or scaffolding and injured himself pretty seriously, but said his prayers, eventually healed up and returned to work. I always accused him of falling on his head, he was so hard-headed!

Ken loved to laugh. He loved to poke fun at others, but he could take it in return. He would be gone from church for a few years due to his work, and when he would return he'd poke his finger in my belly and remark how much weight I had gained or how much older I had gotten. I would poke fun at him asking what hair coloring he used or vitamins he took to stay so youthful. We had fun laughing together.

Even when the job took him and Sally away, they stayed connected with the church. Newsletters, phone calls kept them connected. Ken served as a deacon at one point at Lanier Christian Church offering his service to help in any way. I always joked with him that whenever we had a construction project at church, and there have been four big ones through the years, somehow his work took him away from church so that he wasn't able to help us with the construction at all!