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...

By Dorothy Vanatter, my Mom (Poem written in 1954 about me, their new son) He coos and he talks. He laughs and he grins. He’s loved from his sox To both of his chins. His baby blue eyes – How they twinkle and glow. And, oh, when he sighs, Such contentment they show. He brings us such love As none else can do. From heaven above He was sent us, it’s true. He smiles so to say That he loves everyone. That’s our baby boy. That’s our baby son. With a little chubby hand And his tiny baby feet He’ll play in the sand With the kids ‘cross the street. What he’ll need is a pup To tag at his heels, And as he grows up, Share the love that he feels. He’ll grow up like Dad – Be big and be strong. He’ll know what is bad, He’ll know right from wrong. We’ll teach him in love The best that we can. And too soon he’ll grow up And he’ll be a man. And when he is grown In the life that before him, He’ll surely have known How much we adore him. ~ MY COMMENT: This poem by my angel Mother offers beautiful insight...

As waves upon the beaches we've seen, So with memories of you in my dreams. Their beauty is endless, perfect, and sublime, So with our love on the sands of time. Scott L. Vanatter, 2 February 1975 (Valentine's Day poem written for Becky while on my mission)

Summer days, a thoughtful gaze. Warm sun flowing down around us. Sifting sand through our fingers, Sifting dreams and memories linger. Cool of the water, curl of the wave, Fixes our minds on that day When He made this beautiful place. Scott L. Vanatter, 29 May 1975 (Poem written for Becky on my mission)

I've grown accustomed to her face. She almost makes the day begin. I've grown accustomed to the tune that She whistles night and noon. Her smiles, her frowns, Her ups, her downs Are second nature to me now; Like breathing out and breathing in. I was serenely independent and content before we met; Surely I could always be that way again - And yet I've grown accustomed to her look; Accustomed to her voice; Accustomed to her face. . . . But I'm so used to hear her say "Good morning" ev'ry day. Her joys, her woes, Her highs, her lows, Are second nature to me now; Like breathing out and breathing in. I'm very grateful she's a woman And so easy to forget; Rather like a habit One can always break - And yet, I've grown accustomed to the trace Of something in the air; Accustomed to her face. (From, of course, My Fair Lady )