JIMMY KANE – A true Christian disciple; my
Sunday-School teacher ‘way back when I was a teenager; a fisherman, a husband,
father, grandfather, friend. Greeting everyone with a smile, even toward the
end. He is the namesake of the Kaneraiser’s Sunday School class. Until a few
years ago, he was the long-time teacher of the Tom Scott Sunday School class. I
sang in the choir during his service after we quickly learned the requested
hymn, “The Last Mile of the Way.” Rest in peace, Jim.
BETTY DAGUE – The sweet mother-in-law of one of the
choir members died shortly thereafter, and Ann asked me to play for the
memorial service. I was delighted to do so, honoring this beautiful woman with
a quick smile that exuded love for those around her. I played the organ, the
60-year-old Baldwin organ, that I had played for many years as music director
of the church. Besides her large family, many church members also paid her
homage. Rest in peace, dear Betty.
LOUISE WHITLEY – (Aunt Lou) A sister-in-law’s only
remaining sister died earlier this month. All four of our brother’s siblings
attended the service at Ashby’s. Since Louise had taught at the Deaf School,
one of the Nutt brothers signed the songs and the messages. Louise was also a
minister. Janice was given a Christian flag in celebration of her sister’s
well-lived life. We sisters-in-law hosted a post-burial lunch for Janice and
Bill’s immediate family. Rest in peace, Aunt Lou.
REX HELMER, Jacksonville – This man, known to me
because of his wife, Kathy, who, besides being a poet and writer, is a
missioner for their UM Church. She has seen to it that I get invited to their
team when and if there’s a vacancy—to their annual UMCOR trip to south
Louisiana. On those years when I went, I spent the night before with Rex and
Kathy and their late feline, Bob. Rex was a Vietnam veteran who served in the
Air Force for more than 21 years. He was afflicted with Alzheimer’s at the
last. Rest in peace, Rex.
JOHN MCCAIN – Arizona’s illustrious senator, chose to
stop treatment for his brain disease, and died one day later, four days before
his 82nd birthday. His death hit me harder than usual, because I was
reading his latest book, The Restless Wave. Without sound, except for part of
the church service, I scrolled through the internet’s myriad photos to get the
flavor of the other services. Each time I saw Cindy McCain cry, I teared up,
too. Rest in peace, Senator McCain.
CLIFF BAKER – Brother-in-law, theater maven,
all-around sweet fellow who loved everyone he met, and made them feel better
about themselves—died September 6 in a New York hospital, having never awakened
from a cerebral aneurysm after a week of surgeries and other treatment. He was
a light in our family’s life, especially our brother, his husband. Rest in
peace, dear, dear Cliff.
P.S.And since this piece came out, two more dear ones have died: PATSY REED and GERALD BAXLEY. Condolences and love to their families.
c 2018, PL d/b/a/ lovepat press, Benton AR USA
