I attended a funeral yesterday. It was for a great man who was a big part of my life. He was a gentle man - his touch, his smile, his voice, his manner. All who knew him would call him a true gentlemen. He was kind, curious, loving, accepting, gracious, and devoted. He loved his wife more than life itself and even a week before his death at the age of 87 was still running errands for her while she was in a physical rehab center. He showed me that "real men" do the dishes, laundry, garden, plant flowers, watch birds, and play with children.
He was hard of hearing, but was the best listener I have ever known. He would sit quietly with a look of attention on his face and would respond to your story with questions or encouragement. He was a great lover of music and would listen to his wife play the piano with a happy smile. I remember when he bought her a baby grand piano. She was not the only one excited. He never ignored anyone, particularly children. He was trained in elementary education and taught future teachers how to work with children. His love and interest in them was unsurpassed. When ever I came to visit he would ask if my children were with me. and then he would sit and play and talk to them for most of our visit. One of his neighbors related how he referred to the neighbor's children as "his playmates."
He was a large man, standing 6' 4" with large hands. He knew how to work and could do so without dirtying his clothes. He always wore slacks and a button up shirt, regardless of if he was planting flowers or washing dishes. He wrote weekly letters to his sons when they were away. If he missed a week they would call to make sure he was okay. He used an electric typewriter until his last one broke about 10 years ago. He had learned how to type in the navy and could out type every one of his secretaries. He would also rearrange the furniture often - although the piano always stayed where it was.
The funeral was wonderful. Two of his sons spoke. one (the youngest) gave a tribute and shared some fun stories about his life and the many places he had lived and the things he had done. His efforts had been in education and its development in his community. Even though he had done great things, he never bragged or boasted of them. Many of his grandchildren did not know the extent of his achievements until they were told by others. The elder son "had received orders from Dad" before he died that he was to speak on the gospel of Christ that was so beloved by his father. What followed was a wonderful sermon on the love of God, the Atonement of Christ, and the eternal nature of families. He loved his savior very much and I'm sure he was welcomed back with open arms.
He was laid to rest with full military honors, having been a seamen in the US Navy and involved with the occupation of Japan after World War II. While I was sad at during the funeral, I truly mourned and grieved as I watched them fold the flag over his casket. Attention was given to make sure it was folded perfectly before presented to his wife. A salute was fired in his honor and a bugler played taps. I have never heard a song so sweet.
He was a great man, a humble man, and a loving man. My heart is full to have known him. His Name was Elwood Malcom Allred
He was hard of hearing, but was the best listener I have ever known. He would sit quietly with a look of attention on his face and would respond to your story with questions or encouragement. He was a great lover of music and would listen to his wife play the piano with a happy smile. I remember when he bought her a baby grand piano. She was not the only one excited. He never ignored anyone, particularly children. He was trained in elementary education and taught future teachers how to work with children. His love and interest in them was unsurpassed. When ever I came to visit he would ask if my children were with me. and then he would sit and play and talk to them for most of our visit. One of his neighbors related how he referred to the neighbor's children as "his playmates."
He was a large man, standing 6' 4" with large hands. He knew how to work and could do so without dirtying his clothes. He always wore slacks and a button up shirt, regardless of if he was planting flowers or washing dishes. He wrote weekly letters to his sons when they were away. If he missed a week they would call to make sure he was okay. He used an electric typewriter until his last one broke about 10 years ago. He had learned how to type in the navy and could out type every one of his secretaries. He would also rearrange the furniture often - although the piano always stayed where it was.
The funeral was wonderful. Two of his sons spoke. one (the youngest) gave a tribute and shared some fun stories about his life and the many places he had lived and the things he had done. His efforts had been in education and its development in his community. Even though he had done great things, he never bragged or boasted of them. Many of his grandchildren did not know the extent of his achievements until they were told by others. The elder son "had received orders from Dad" before he died that he was to speak on the gospel of Christ that was so beloved by his father. What followed was a wonderful sermon on the love of God, the Atonement of Christ, and the eternal nature of families. He loved his savior very much and I'm sure he was welcomed back with open arms.
He was laid to rest with full military honors, having been a seamen in the US Navy and involved with the occupation of Japan after World War II. While I was sad at during the funeral, I truly mourned and grieved as I watched them fold the flag over his casket. Attention was given to make sure it was folded perfectly before presented to his wife. A salute was fired in his honor and a bugler played taps. I have never heard a song so sweet.
He was a great man, a humble man, and a loving man. My heart is full to have known him. His Name was Elwood Malcom Allred
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