My siblings and I put together a few memories and thoughts of our Dad and would like to share them with you.
Dad was an only child having had a sister die as an infant. He fought in WWII having earned two bronze stars in campaigns in northern France and Germany. By profession he was a tool and gauge maker. He was very creative and if he didn’t have a tool to do the job, he could create one that would do the trick. He worked diligently to provide for his family, sometimes three jobs at a time. He taught us the value of hard work and wanted us to do the best at whatever job we were doing. He was a man with a sense of humor, a twinkle in his eye and always a witty word.
Dad was very logical and organized and liked everything in order. and was always very clear with all of us on right and wrong using the Bible as the basis for his direction. He encouraged all of his children to follow Jesus.
Dad loved our Mother, his wife for 39 years. During Mom’s last year of life battling cancer Dad took early retirement to be by her side all the way, to care for her, to fix her food, he went with her to church and he worked hard to make up for mistakes he might have made in the other 38 years. When she passed, he missed her terribly and grieved over her loss until he passed from this life.
Dad’s mind was clear and alert up to his last days. He cared about each and everyone of his kids and if he hadn’t heard from someone he would constantly ask others if they had heard anything. When we had difficulties in life, Dad did what he could to help us.
Dad loved flowers and the smell of honeysuckle and lilac. He was a die hard Cardinal fan and loved Nascar. Regardless of the weather he always wore his Cardinal jacket and hat and had on this Rusty Wallace belt buckle. He enjoyed science and when you went to his house, you could expect to find the TV on the NASA channel.
Dad softened a lot in his later years, he loved to sit outside in his swing and watch kittens romp and worried about his little cat Brownie. Even in the winter he would ask if maybe the day was warm enough to put the swing back out.
Dad, we love you; we will all miss you. Thank you for instilling Christian principles in our lives so that although we grieve we are not without hope.