Funeral Service For Unbeliever

Song – No Tears in Heaven – Seating Guests

Song – Home of the Soul – Family Enters and is Seated

Congregational Song – Sing Hallelujah

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

3 He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD

forever. Psalm 23

Obituary and Prayer

Family Members to Speak –

Song(s)

• Jesus Hold My Hold My Hand

• Amazing Grace

Eulogy

It is an honor to be part of this service in which we honor John.

In discussing the service with Kay, I was reminded of several passages from the book of Proverbs. As I have reflected on these, I saw several applications to John’s life.

I. Wisdom

13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,

and the one who gets understanding,

14 for the gain from her is better than gain from silver

and her profit better than gold. Proverbs 3.13-14

ALL of us make mistakes; make bad decisions; sin

ALL of us feel the effects of our decisions – good and bad

We have a choice in our circumstances:

Stay down or Learn from our errors and move on

Apparently John learned some lessons and was able to move on – a wise thing to do

John learned some priorities and was able to see the unimportant and could say, “Just let it go.”

He learned, as a result, to be slow to anger:

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. (Proverbs 14.29; James 1.19)

He learned the impact of the “Serenity Prayer”

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

In college, he wrote an English paper on How His Life Was Different from 5 Years Ago. In it he wrote of how he had made some bad decisions but that he was currently making honorable ones and showing honorable actions; He had a type of new start for his life in turning from bad choices to good ones.

II. Discipline

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but he who hates reproof is stupid. Proverbs 12.1

The Army was helpful in the area of discipline for John, especially in regard to his appearance:

Clean shaven; buttoned down shirt; dressed for success – “Co-workers asked, “Are you looking for a job?”

His Discipline Led to Accepting Responsibility for His Life

Many people want to live life blaming others for failures or losses

Others will accept responsibility and pass it on to others

He exhibited Discipline in his Education

Illness stopped him from achieving some of his goals

He was a strong learner – achieved mush on his own through reading

Gained his GED

Hear instruction and be wise,

and do not neglect it. Proverbs 8.33

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Proverbs 18.15

III. Hard-working

Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty;

open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread. Proverbs 20.13

Began working at BC Steel Buildings at age 16

Boss saw potential and taught John key aspects of the business

He was able to develop building skills and activities

Flipped houses

Did the work on plumbing; electricity; roofing (although was not fond of popcorn ceilings)

He had a “whatever it takes” mentality to get things done

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might – Ecclesiastes 9.10

IV. Loving Toward Family and Friends

Hatred stirs up strife,

but love covers all offenses. Proverbs 10.12

Not Demonstrative or Emotional but deep down loved – which fits his personality as quiet and introverted

In Army he supplied electricity for medical units – he was not performing the medical procedures but was supplying something necessary for them; he was doing something important behind the scenes

He loved his parents; children; step-children; grandchildren – was always available; “Fishin’ Grandpa”

Enjoyed the singings with Kay and grandchildren

Always wanted the family together on special occasions and holidays

Storms of Life

Stresses; Job Losses; Illnesses; Loss of loved ones

Disciples feared the storm on the Sea of Galilee – woke Jesus – “Peace Be Still”

Jesus has the power to calm the storms of life