Memorial Service For Tom Rogers

October 8, 2009

Reading of the Obituary of Tom Rogers age 60

This obituary tells us many things about Tom. It tells us of his birth and death, where he has lived, the family he leaves behind, and the paths that he chose in this life by way of his work and accomplishments. It gives us many facts but it doesn’t tell us about the man he was.

Tom Rogers was a friend. From the first moment I met him five years ago to the last time I visited with him I was continually impressed and inspired. As I try to share my memories and insights on Tom I know that I will fail terribly because I cannot do him justice. So please forgive me.

Tom was a well accomplished man. He wore many different hats during the brief time that I knew him. I can easily see him wearing a hardhat as he cuts away tree limbs during his service with Disaster Relief. I can see him wearing a chef’s hat as he prepares and serves meals during our weekly meal time here at the church. I can see him wearing headphones as he operates his HAM radio getting the word out in times of emergency. I can see him in his teacher’s hood as he instructs others. I can see him wearing a salesman’s hat as he operates his business from day to day. I can see him wearing that old floppy hat as he works on numerous things here at the church, everything from exit signs to fire extinguishers. I can even see him as a comic as he wears a bag for a hat in NYC. I can’t really picture him in a hat but perhaps he would let his hair get over his ears a bit as he rocks and rolls playing the keyboard and guitar, (although it is hard to imagine Tom as “getting down.”) I can see the glow from the monitor shining on him as he runs the cameras here for our church services.

But the hat he wears today I can’t begin to imagine. I’m positive it’s not that old floppy hat that thing is ugly. I rather think that today it is a crown.

2 timothy 4:6-8 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Tom touched lives. He made an impression on everyone who took the time to know him. He was a true servant of God. He never asked for recognition but I have a feeling that when he entered heaven’s gate he received a hero’s welcome.

Nina chose the poem “footprints” to honor Tom on his homecoming. I would like to close with that.

FOOTPRINTS by Anonymous Author

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed

he was walking along the beach with the LORD.

Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.

For each scene he noticed two sets of

footprints in the sand: one belonging

to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him,

he looked back at the footprints in the sand.

He noticed that many times along the path of

his life there was only one set of footprints.

He also noticed that it happened at the very

lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he

questioned the LORD about it:

"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow

you, you’d walk with me all the way.

But I have noticed that during the most

troublesome times in my life,

there is only one set of footprints.

I don’t understand why when

I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied:

"My son, my precious child,

I love you and I would never leave you.

During your times of trial and suffering,

when you see only one set of footprints,

it was then that I carried you."

Today as the family looks back only one set of footprints will be seen. Understand that these are the footprints of the Lord. He is here, He loves you and He cares for you. The same God that Tom loved and who loved Tom loves you also and one day a wonderful and joyful reunion will take place. And I am looking forward to the day when I can stand side by side with Tom as we worship our Lord face to face.

Friends then shared with the family their memories and insights on the impact that Tom Rogers had made on their lives.