We Lost A Good Man on Saturday

At my last church in Snover, Michigan I had this wonderful couple that attended. When I first arrived there, Ken and Emogene Smith were 93 and 89 respectively. Ken still taught Sunday School with a very sharp mind, sharp wit, and desire to keep everyone involved in the conversation. He knew how to connect with people and keep their interest. Ken learned this trade as a longtime Kirby Vaccuum salesman. (On a side note as a pastor I never had to worry about vaccuums that didnt work, we had three Kirby's and they were very well kept and maintained by Ken.) But Ken was one of those people who made me want to do better at connecting with people and building them up.
Ken loved the Lord above all things. He was never critical of a person or an idea. As I came into the very traditional setting called Faith Free Methodist with my "Big City" ideas of Contemporary Music and relevant teaching, he never criticized my efforts. He never criticized my ideas, nor did he ever criticize those who opposed me to my face with great hostility. He was above church politics.
One time, I was asked by a friend to allow some friends of his to lead our worship on a Sunday morning. It was a Christian rock band. The band was loud. When they rehearsed, I asked them several times to turn down their volume out of respect for some of our elderly families. The band wasnt so willing. With dozens of young guests attending that morning, I decided to let that band perform. They were very loud. I was visibly shaken. Ken encouraged me after the morning service by letting me know that Emogene may have heard music for the first time in many years. (Emogene was deaf, and really didnt know how to work her hearing aides). When I grow up, I want to be just as faithful in my love for the Lord and love for those whom God loves just as much as Ken did. I dont want to base my love for the Lord on whether or not I am happy with the culture or events of the church.
Ken was a fabulous husband. He always opened the door for his wife Emogene. They always held hands when walking. Our church threw a suprise 70th wedding anniversary for Ken and Emogene after a morning service. We packed 120 into that little building that day. They were presented with a wedding cake. As they cut the cake, we all tapped our glasses. Ken looked at Emogene with a huge grin, and he picked up a glass and tapped it with a spoon. They kissed as if they have never missed a beat.
At home, they had recliners that were right next to each other. When they would sit, they would hold hands. Each night, when the weather was nice, they would ride on their golf cart to the furthest west point of their land and they would watch the sun set together. When I grow up, I want to have my 70th wedding anniversary to be filled with the same passion as what I learned from Ken.
Ken was a loving father. One of the hardest funerals I have ever officiated was for his son. Ken's son was in his 70's when he died of cancer. The last thing anyone needed to say was that he lived a full life. It was really tough to stay in the room as the officials closed the casket as Ken and Emogene openly wept and held each other while standing over top of their son. I pray that I would never experience such a pain, but if I do, I want my wife to lean on and hold up as Ken did.
Ken was full of wit too. At his 70th wedding anniversary party, a former minister approached Ken and asked him if he was looking forward to living to 100. Ken's response was, "Heck no! I want to be with the Glory of God! I dont want my face on a Smuckers jar!" (For those of you who dont know, Willard Scott does a bit on the Today show to celebrate birthdays of people who are 100+ years old)
On Saturday, Ken got his wish. Just ten days before his 100th birthday, Ken Smith crossed the finish line. He is now in God's Glory and reveling in it. He will be missed by all who met him, know him, and love him. He leaves a legacy that we could all learn from. Thank you Ken for allowing me a window into 4% of your wonderful life.