Thank you for all the compassionate comments left on the part one of the funeral story. Your words have meant so much to our family.
Here is part two.
Before leaving Vernie’s house on the morning of the service, I snapped a shot of these photos. They carried extra poignancy on that particular day.
Vernie started the day of the funeral reading her Bible and eating breakfast at the table she had shared with Ken for many decades. Yet another moment filled with poignancy.
We drove to the cemetery together and when we arrived, Nathan called upon all his creative resources to create a makeshift tripod for his camera. (He and Meagan both got some video of the military honors but due to some technical issues, I will have to wait till next week to share.)
The family got the memorial items arranged . . .
. . . while the military personnel folded the flag they would be presenting to Vernie.
It was placed on the table as the crowning touch.
Steve was especially happy for the chance to sing with his brother, Dana, and cousin Rene. They did Amazing Grace, I’ll Fly Away (by Ken’s request) and then Steve did, “Lord, Guard and Guide the Men Who Fly,” the Air Force Hymn.
I know that Ken would have been smiling and very possibly even dancing a step or two during I’ll Fly Away. That man loved to dance and sing!
As Steve spoke a beautiful tribute to his dad, I was touched by the view of the soldiers beyond him who would be doing the three-volley salute. For the entire 50-minute service, they stood perfectly still, paying respect and honor to a man who had fought for their freedom.
Closer to the funeral tent, two more air force personnel in charge of the flag ceremony stood in silent watchfulness. The group of them had driven six hours round trip to honor Ken.
Steve and his brothers remembered and mourned together.
After the service, Vernie was escorted back to the car by her middle son, Dana. Dana and Jeff, the two sons who live near her, have done a wonderful job caring for her.
While they headed toward me, I saw the Air Force personnel headed in the other direction. They could go back to their base knowing they had done their job well and with honor.
As I was helping to load the items from the table into the back of the car, I stopped for a moment to take a picture of Ken and his Bible.
Two days after the funeral, I got up early and stepped outside to enjoy the Carolina blue sky.
I decided to drive back over to the cemetery and ended up spending thirty minutes walking among the rows of graves, honoring all the ones who lived and died, and reminding myself of how brief and precious life is.
But most of all, I was remembering Ken.
I wasn’t the only one remembering.
Tippi spent a lot of time in her master’s chair, the place where she had spent so many hours with him, enjoying their special, quiet companionship.
Ken was a blessing to every life he touched–from that companionable canine to all his friends and family. Steve was truly given the gift of a great dad.
Steve has also been blessed with a wonderful second dad, Lloyd Yelland. I included some stories and pictures of Lloyd in this post.
Lloyd and Gwen (Vernie’s sister) double dated with Ken and Vernie back in the early 50’s. They have been in Steve’s life since his earliest memory.
When Ken was flying combat missions in Vietnam for 18 months, Uncle Lloyd stepped up and became the father figure Steve needed. Steve calls his Uncle Lloyd the second most important man in his life.
Lloyd had a heart attack right before Ken passed away; we were so hoping he would recover but we just got word yesterday that he is in the last hours/days of his life. Steve will plan to attend the funeral in Pennsylvania when the day comes.
Two funerals within weeks of each other.
Two funerals of two men who had such a great influence on the man I love.
Grief, as hard it is, goes hand in hand with love. If you don’t grieve, you didn’t love. Our family is so thankful for the lives of Kenneth Smith and for Lloyd Yelland.
Two men we’re grateful for. Two men we grieve. Two men we’ve loved.
I always like to read comments made by Mrs. Pam. Most of the time, including today, she writes what I would have written if I were as eloquent as she. My favorite photo was Pastor Steve and company singing “I’ll Fly Away”, one of my favorite gospel songs. Ken will be missed by his family and friends, as well as your readers.
Fred and Lucy,
Mrs. Pam has been around here a long time and she always has something poignant, wise, or entertaining to say . . . depending on the situation. Nice to see members of the Smithellaneous family complimenting one another!
And thank you for taking the time to comment; always great to see your name.
What a wonderful way to honor and memorialize a special man. Such a loving tribute. Ken would be proud. I believe he must have been singing along with Steve (as well as dancing) to I’ll Fly Away. So sorry to hear of the passing of Lloyd and the double heartbreak and grief for Steve and all of you. My heart and prayers go out to the entire family.
Love, hugs, prayers and blessings,
Linda in Pittsburgh
Linda,
Your socks arrived yesterday. Hooray! Steve loved them. 🙂 Thanks so much for thinking of him.
And yes, picturing Ken dancing to I’ll Fly Away definitely makes me smile. Thank you for your sympathies and your prayers.
Gas they arrived and he liked them…they popped right out at me!
I love meandering around cemeteries. Reading the markers and seeing the things that it may have on it or near it and try to imagine what they were like.
Thank you for sharing these photos with us. They are lovely. It sounds like it was a great send off!
So sorry to hear about Lloyd. I remember him on your blog. Will pray for Steve and Gwen and the family.
Blessings!
Krista,
I know. I could spend hours in a cemetery. It’s so interesting to see what few words are used on each tomb to highlight and sum up a person’s life.
And then I wonder what mine might say.
You’ve honoured Ken so well. Thinking of you all.
Jenna,
If anyone understands the grief journey, you do. Thank you for your words and compassion.
Did not know about Lloyd and heart attack, sad. I remember him a bit .
Closer to heaven each day, for him- for us… Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus. Ruth
Ruth,
Yes, we parked at his place a few times when you were on the road with us. He is smack dab in the middle of the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside.
Closer to heaven is a good place to be.
You touched my heart with love, and my eyes with tears.
such a meaningful and beautiful tribute to Ken and to the family he loved.
Mrs. Pam,
Any comment that uses the words heart, love, eyes, and tears in the same sentence is a special one, indeed. Thank you for your words.
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. His urn is so beautiful.
I’m so sorry to hear about Lloyd.
Praying blessings upon all of you.
Suzanne,
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. The world seems a little emptier without him in it
What a beautiful tribute to a man who was loved by and will be missed by many. I am also sorry to hear about Lloyd. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers
Michele,
Thank you. Lloyd is still hanging on but we know it won’t be long. Thankful for the presence of great men in our lives.
What a beautiful service this must have been…from your pictures and descriptions, everything was meaningful and a perfect tribute to Ken. I am so sorry to hear about Lloyd and that Steve will be losing someone else so dear to him so quickly after the passing of his dad. You all remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Ellen,
Yes, it’s been a lot for Steve to deal with knowing he’ll be facing a double loss. But also a double serving of precious memories. We’re so thankful for the comfort of memories.
What a beautiful way you have of remembering such a life well-lived and a man well-loved. It looks like the funeral was a wonderful remembering, and something Ken would have liked. I’m so sorry about Steve’s uncle. That’s really tough. I’m glad there are so many wonderful memories of those two men you all love.
Gayle,
Yes, I know Ken would have enjoyed himself at his sermon. There was music, laughter and all sorts of colors. He always did love being around a crowd of people!
Having had a military funeral for my Dad, I will say that it brought me such a sense of pride and comfort, especially receiving the flag. So glad you were able to experience that. Hugs to all of you.
Guerrina,
I agree. A military funeral is definitely a blessing to the family left behind. The honor that they bestow brings me to tears.
Sorry I have not responded to your first post. Did read it, but we were at a funeral of my brother-in-law (3rd one to pass away since March – not covid) who was also in the military. They are building a military/museum/veterans rememberance in Sioux Falls, and when it is completed he will have a full military funeral. Such a wonderful remembrance for Ken. That floral arrangement with the flag in the glass vase was very impressive – so beautiful. Was wondering if you were able to read the article sent about the folding of the flag. May the Lord be with Vernie and now with Steve as his “second” dad might be leaving this earth soon.
Sharyn,
We were not able to read it at the funeral but I have enjoyed reading and re-reading it myself and just appreciating the incredible meaning behind those folds. Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
What a great chance to celebrate your brother-in-law’s life with a full military funeral. I know that will be so meaningful to all who loved him. I am so sorry for the loss of three family members in just a few months. That is really tough.
So sorry to hear about Steve’s uncle. Two funerals in such a short time. Prayers for your family.
My dad has asked my brother to play Taps at his funeral, not sure what he thinks of that although he did say he could get a friend of his from high school that still lives in our hometown to help. Kevin has played Taps at several funerals over the years.
I’ve never been to a military funeral but I have been to the funeral of a police officer killed in the line of duty. That was very sad – 21 gun salute, last call on the radio, riderless horse, and helicopters in formation with one taking off from the others. Gives me chills just to think of it and it’s been nearly 13 years.
Phyllis,
Oh my. I can’t even imagine being present at the funeral of a police officer with all of those elements included that you mentioned. In a world increasingly filled with so much dishonor, it is especially wonderful to see our military and police officers given special honor.
Thank you for a beautiful post. So sorry to hear about Steve’s second dad. Praying for all of you.
Nicole,
Thank you for your words and for your prayers. It’s tough to lose two special men at the same time.
Your words about Kens service brought tears along with smiles. Your photos and words made me feel like I was there. What a special day.
Cindy,
I’m glad there were smiles as well as tears. That’s how Ken would have wanted it.
Becky, thanks for sharing. It was really touching. Sorry to hear about Lloyd but I imagine Gwen (I hope I remrmbered her name right) will be there to welcome him when the time comes and play on piano in Heaven. I am sure Kenneth will be there too to welcome.
I feel it is so speciel to think about that during all years I have read your blog I have read both about birth (the births of all your grand children) and death – saying good bye to loved ones (I remember when your Dad passed and that little girl .. Hanna ? ) and Christi Thomas.
Sending warms thoughts to you all
Katrina,
Yes, you did remember Gwen’s name! It will be a sweet reunion.
It truly is amazing all the seasons and chapters you have been apart of over these many years. I am always so grateful to know that someone has been following along for such a long time. You’re right–there have been births and deaths and everything in between.
Ken’s urn is really beautiful. I have never seen such a striking urn!
Funeral ceremonies with military rites always make cry. They remind me of my father-in-law’s funeral. My husband has a shell casing from the 21 gun salute his dad received as well as the flag that was presented to his mom. He feels especially blessed to have it and flies it once a year on father’s day. 🙂
I am so sorry to read about Lloyd. My heart goes out to Steve as he prepares to grieve yet another beloved family member.
Lee Anne,
I forgot to mention in the post but you reminded me. The family members were also given the shell casings. I know you have found it to be true that that is a wonderful memory from the ceremony.
And what a great idea to fly his dad’s flag on Father’s Day. I love that!