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!
Ken loved Lanier Christian Church and taught one of our adult classes. He loved the Bible and loved learning more about the truth of God's Word. I am grateful he was willing to share what he learned with others. He gave prayers, he served communion, he sang in our choir...he did love music....and he even played volleyball on occasion when we had some matches at church. He was always the oldest to play but the youngest at heart.
He really had a heart for kids at church. He wanted to encourage them, laugh with them and watch their progress and maturity through life.
He was mostly proud of his own children and grandchildren and I heard him speak of their accomplishments throughout the 30 years I’ve known this family. He wanted the best for his own children and grandchildren and talked with pride about them and even spoke through tears when there was a heartache concerning his kids. I can tell you this. Ken & Sally requested prayer for many of you here today...sometimes privately...sometimes publicly...but always with a sincere heart that the Lord would guide and protect and heal and strengthen each of you for your own respective needs. There was no question that they loved their children and grandchildren and wanted God's best for them.
I think we all know that the love of Ken's life was Sally. What a bond they shared. They did everything together. It is a true love story. Sally and Kenneth were there for each other each step of the way over these 53 years, truly living out the marriage vows: “for better for worse, for rich or for poor, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.” Together you two went through the mountaintops and valleys of life and set an example of what it means to love and care for each other no matter what.
On a personal note I am indebted to Ken for “having my back” during some difficult years at church decades ago. His encouragement and sincere love meant the world to me. When others were so hurtful and critical, Ken was loving and encouraging and supportive. Because of people like Ken, instead of giving up on ministry, I stayed and kept going.
It’s people like Ken and Sally Anonymous that have made Lanier Christian Church the wonderful fellowship that it is today. Ken was committed to his Lord and His church. He took his faith seriously.
I know you family members have special memories that you will always treasure. You friends have your own Ken Anonymous stories that bring a smile.
And though we will dearly miss Ken, he would want you to treasure the memories and squeeze the most out of life that you possibly can, with the good Lord’s help.
Kenneth Anonymous would want you to know today that he wasn’t perfect, but neither are we. That’s why we find hope in one who is perfect, Jesus our Lord. It is His grace and mercy that rescues us and gives us hope. It is the Lord who is our great Shepherd, the guardian of our souls.
Jesus gave us great words of hope and comfort when he said:
"I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die." (John 11:25)
We have hope here today that the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ are true. Ken Anonymous had hope. That hope has now become a peaceful reality for him today.
Heaven is such a wonderful promise from our Lord and yet we so misunderstand it.
For believers in Jesus, we will not float on a cloud and play a harp all day. Heaven will be beautiful, just like here, except perfect, and freed of the pain, and sorrow, and death of this life. Heaven will not be boring. It will be filled with life and happiness and enthusiasm that God intended for us to have. And in heaven, our gifts that God gave us here will only be enhanced there. I’m sure that Ken has found something to do already. Jesus said he is preparing a place for us...and I'm sure that Ken has signed up already to help with construction....until his loved ones join him in their heavenly home.
There is a peace here today, because there is hope beyond the grave. No longer is Ken struggling...no more worries and stress, no more pain, but instead he is enjoying the freedom of a peaceful eternity.
Ken Anonymous is just beginning his eternal life. His troubles are over now. And ours will be too one day.
The life of eternity for the believer will be grander than we could ever
imagine. I love to share my favorite Bible verse at every funeral. The prophet Isaiah wrote and it was echoed by Paul (1 Cor. 2:9) : "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."
He is now at eternal rest, living out a joy like none of us have ever experienced. As the apostle John said in Revelation: “No more sorrow, no more crying, no more pain, no more death.” These things are all passed away. He is now at peace.
May we never forget the beautiful memories of this loved one and friend that has touched our lives. May the Lord offer his tender compassion and comfort to you all today and always. May we pray.
PRAYER – D. Simpson
Almighty God, you are a refuge and strength in our times of trouble. At this most difficult time, be a strength and a steadfast presence for this family.
May your comforting Spirit surround them daily with your love and peace.
Lift them up with your strong arms and reassure them of your promises of grace, mercy, and eternal life. Give them hope for tomorrow and the days to come.
Guide them in your perfect way. In the name of Christ we pray, AMEN.
