the eulogy

My dad's eulogy at Lex's funeral was beautiful, and especially special if you know my dad:

I’ve never written or delivered a eulogy before.  I am honored beyond measure that Lex would request I speak at the celebration of his life and of his ‘going home.’

LaVerne told me that Lex trusted in my ability to speak well on his behalf,  but that I should refrain from using the word “FART” in my comments …so I won’t. Thanks, Lamar! …Lex and I agreed that HUMOR is the SHOCK ABSORBER of life. When Lex was born, for a short while he was “no name” McClellan. He was SO SURPRISED he couldn’t talk for a year and a half! 

Lex was born at home and his mother died when he was just 3 months old -- so he was raised without a mom -- and when he married the love of his life, LaVerne, “Boo” (who didn’t really have a dad) -- they became for each other not JUST husband and wife but soul-mates, and a FAMILY to one another. I’ll let LaVerne tell you about needing to conduct a visual leg-check on Lex before she would marry him and how when she gazed upon those shapely, red-haired legs under those Navy bell-bottoms, she was hooked.

True love never grows old, and throughout 63 years, and lots of coffee and biscuits, Lex remained deeply and passionately in love with his Boo… just a few days ago he insisted she sit on his lap so he could just hold her close.

Lex knew that the more love you give, the more love you have… and Lex gave his love to everyone… not just his family, but his extended family, his friends, coworkers, the children & youth of Pierce Chapel, and the elderly & impaired. His COMPASSION was especially evidenced by his music ministry at our community’s nursing homes -- for folks in the twilight of their lives. His singing and playing left loving fingerprints on many a tired, lonely heart.

Lex (and Boo) grew up in financially difficult times (to say the least)! As a result, he (they) developed an incredible work ethic that -- more often than not -- included working several jobs at a time. Lex was a non-stop, working machine! And he enjoyed every minute of it. His worldly experiences and breadth of knowledge made him capable and competent in numerous, varied careers. He was a true patriot, devoting 32 years to the service of the nation he loved. His dependability and trustworthiness and loyalty were beyond question.

He believed that attitude is everything. He was an avid reader – of not just the Bible -- but also of inspirational and motivational books. He knew that reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body, and generous shared his books and encouraged others to benefit from them.

I recently learned from Linda that in years past Lex was “ANAL” regarding the unnecessarily excessive use of t.p… and Lamar told me that his dad suffered for many years from narcolepsy – a sleep disorder that causes excessive sleepiness and frequent daytime sleep attacks. Lex just thought of it as OCCASIONALLY  letting his mind relax – idling so to speak… [HUH-WHAT?]

Lex understood that wealth consisted NOT in having possessions but in having FEW wants. He gave freely of his time, his talents, his gifts, his service, and his witness. Those less fortunate felt his genuine empathy and sincerity, for Lex knew: everyone was fighting some kind of battle. In his last days, Lex found it difficult to surrender -- to release his painful hold on this life –- to leave behind his beloved Boo and all his family. At the same time, he desperately yearned to finally meet his dear mother and joyfully anticipated their heavenly reunion, 86 years in the making. I’m pretty sure he saw her in recent days, across that thin veil that separates this life from the next.

I don’t want to cry because the human life God ordained for Lex has been completed, but smile BECAUSE IT HAPPENED and I was blessed to share in it; I don’t want this brief gathering of loved ones to represent an ending, but a celebration of Lex’s freedom from all human pain and suffering and the return to the spiritual life God created in him, and in each of us.

We are made in God’s image. We were created for eternity. Jesus promised eternal life to those that believed in Him. Our time here is PART of eternity. We measure time, but God doesn’t. “I am the resurrection, and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” What we call death is just a transition to a different form of existence. “Behold, I make all things new.” Nothing here remains as it is, but God doesn’t change. We are spiritual beings having a brief human experience to know and love our creator, the author of all life.

So, dear Lex has awakened from this dream we call life to return fully to his spiritual self -– forever in the loving arms of his heavenly Father. “Because I live you shall live also.” While we remain here, Lex lives on in our hearts.

GOD BLESS YOU