Time Experience Thoughts

Eugene Russell Vanatter Eulogy August 17, 1932 - January 16, 2008 Eulogy delivered by Scott Vanatter, his son, January 22, 2008, in Fort Scott, Kansas. REMEMBER My Mom, our dear mother Dorothy May (Lifer) Vanatter, my sisters Gina and Tracy, the entire family, including Dad’s sisters Loretta and Kathleen, and I . . . thank each one of you for joining with us this morning. Thank you for your loving expressions of care and concern. The good people here at Cheney Witt Funeral Home have offered the most kind and comforting service; our heartfelt thanks to you, Jared, and the whole staff. Tears of Sadness and Joy Today we are here to remember Eugene Russell Vanatter—“Gene” to most of you, including to our Mom . . . but Dad and “Grandpa Gene” to us. It is entirely appropriate that we shed tears of sadness—and also tears of joy—as we remember Dad. DEATH TO UNDERSTAND ETERNAL LIFE Faith whispers to us that life is eternal; that our personal existence does not end upon our death . . . we live o

FUNERAL, ORDER OF SERVICE January 22, 2008, Fort Scott, Kansas ~ Prelude Music, Peace in the Valley (Elvis) ~ Welcome, by Rev. Jared Witt ~ Opening Song, Church in the Wildwood (The Jordonaires) ~ Opening Prayer, by Sydney Vanatter ~ Family Memory, by Carrie Motley (and Introduction of that Dad and Tracy danced to at Tracy’s wedding.) ~ Song, Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground (Willy Nelson) ~ Eulogy, by Scott Vanatter ~ Song, My Way (Elvis) ~ Closing Prayer, Carrie Motley ~ Masonic Service . . . ~ Interment Prayer (U.S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas) # # # FOOTNOTES 1. Why We Visit (“The Vision-Place of Souls”) Many, though not all, families and friends naturally gather together at special events: graduations, weddings, reunions, etc. and, of course, births and deaths. Sometimes we all are drawn to visit the places where those special, even sacred, events took place. Sometimes long after those who were there with us have gone on. Why do we visit these sacred places? Thi

Peace In The Valley Elvis Presley (Thomas Dorsey) Oh well, I'm tired and so weary But I must go alone Till the lord comes and calls, calls me away, oh yes Well the morning's so bright And the lamp is alight And the night, night is as black as the sea, oh yes There will be peace in the valley for me, some day There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray There'll be no sadness, no sorrow No trouble, trouble I see There will be peace in the valley for me, for me Well the bear will be gentle And the wolves will be tame And the lion shall lay down by the lamb, oh yes And the beasts from the wild Shall be lit by a child And I'll be changed, changed from this creature that I am, oh yes There will be peace in the valley for me, some day There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray There'll be no sadness, no sorrow No trouble, trouble I see There will be peace in the valley for me, for me # The Church in the Wildwood The Jordonaires (Words & Music