Celebration of Stone’s Life

The following was borrowed from Jerry Lee’s facebook note – I thought all would enjoy this.

What a wonderful celebration of Stone’s life we had yesterday. After several days of gorgeous, warm, spring weather, we awoke to a beautiful blanket of snow. Conditions worsened throughout the day, and by the time we left for the memorial service we were dealing with a blizzard. Even so, the service had to be delayed, not because of the weather, but because of the long line of people waiting to sign the guest book. Almost 400 people braved the storm to pay their respects to the family and honor Stone.

We began by watching a very touching slide presentation of Stone’s Life. Preston Silcox, a long time friend of Paul and Vanessa’s, said a prayer. After that, Vanessa’s father, Benton Allen, Jr., read the obituary, followed by the eulogy, which was drafted by Paul and Vanessa, and presented by Paul’s father, Jerry. The eulogy began by pointing out the gifts of life that Stone donated to others: his bone marrow, his eyes, his skin and his heart valves. He also used Stone’s favorite verses to illustrate each point. Jerry pointed out that just as someone will draw strength from Stone’s bone marrow, Stone drew strength from God (”with God all things are possible” Matt 19:26). Just as Stone’s eyes will help another have sight, we should have eyes that see God through His Word (”thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” Psa 119:105). Just as Stone’s skin will help a burn victim regain the sense of touch, others should feel the touch of God through our compassionate hands (Matt:25:34-30; Luke 10:30-36). Finally, like Stone, we should have the heart of God. We should lay up our treasures in heaven (”for where your treasures are, there will your heart be also” Matt.6:19-210). Also, we should “be kind one to another, tenderhearted…” Eph. (4:32).

Paul closed the service with a heartfelt prayer. The line again was long as people waited to speak with the family before braving the storm to get home to places as far away as Grand Junction, Longmont, and Boulder. A delicious meal was then provided by many of the community for the family and close friends. Today the remaining out-of-town guests and and family members will begin the journey home to Denver, Arkansas, Memphis, and Florida.

We want to thank all of you for the thousands of e-mails, messages on fb, cards, calls, and especially the prayers you have offered to God on our behalf. Please continue to pray for Paul, Vanessa and Alahna in the weeks and months ahead. We love you all!

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