Condolence: Sorry to hear your lose my friend.
It's been a long time no see.

Condolence: We lost a great man last Saturday, my Papa Eddy. Four hours before his 96th birthday, surrounded by his family, he passed from this world.

Today, we laid him to rest. He was born in Texas; grew up in Arkansas; fought fascism and tyranny in Germany; raised his family in California; preached the bible in New Mexico; labored and constructed in Dallas/Fort Worth; retired in West; and then enjoyed his final years in Mansfield.

This man, he loved life. He loved people. He was flawed, as we all are.

When I was younger, I asked him about his service in World War 2. He talked about (luckily) having been in only one engagement, machine gunning a suspected enemy house that was likely deserted. He served his country, he fought fascism, but he also cherished life. He did not relish the thought of having taken a life, even for just reasons. Necessary reasons.

He talked of almost making it to the golden gloves when he was in the Army but having been knocked out by a last minute unexpected challenger from the crowd. He told this story as an anecdote, matter of factly. He would fight but he would not seek one out or boast of it.

Besides the stories, the man could preach. With only a 2nd or 3rd grade education, and little family background in the church, he came to gather a congregation in Clayton, NM. He worked to bring people to God and morality. And then even after his own personal failings and challenges pushed him away from the pew, he continued to reach out to people individually.

Though he sometimes quarreled with my Grams, Joyce Gaiser Eddy, his love was unrelenting. He loved her and the rest of his family without limits.

I will remember him for many things including his love of life, of people, and for being lovely to people. Making people feel good.

He brought joy to us. He made/makes me want to be a better man. To appreciate my family and life.

He helped me get through losing my mother, 2 other grandfathers, and my father.

We will miss him. I will miss him. I will remember him, always.

Condolence: Eddy was a dear, sweet man. I'm going to miss my friend.

Condolence: We all love and miss Eddy, he was a great man with a great family and we'll continue to remember him.