celebrating Jack Brown

Keith's grandfather, Jack Brown, passed away on Sunday. We just got home from his beautiful celebration of life in Waco. He was a husband, father to 3, grandfather to 8, and great grandfather to 8. "Paw paw", as we called him served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked. He participated in four amphibious assaults at Guadalcanal, New Caledonia, Russell Islands and Peleliu. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal, the Pearl Harbor Medal, and the Marine Sharpshooter Medal. This is only to name a few of his many accomplishments.

Keith had the honor of saying a few words at the service today:

"Before I read today's scripture from the 23rd Psalm, I want to take a moment to share with you what PawPaw means to me. As his grandson, he taught me all the important life lessons. How to fish, how to drive a lawn tractor, and how to shoot a Red Ryder BB Gun. Of course later he would regret the BB gun lessons as we proceeded to shoot up his backyard.

He also did a lot for all of us in this room. He taught us about hard work. He fought for our country, and he raised a beautiful family. But all of that pales in comparison to the decision he made as a young child to ask Jesus Christ into his life. That one decision forever changed the dynamic of our family. I think about my mom who had the opportunity at an early age to learn about Jesus. How did that shape her decision to choose my dad, also a follower of Christ, as her spouse. You see this one decision PawPaw made to invite Christ into his life will shape the lives of generations of people. And this is the one thing I will forever be grateful to PawPaw for. He acknowledged the imperfections and sin in his life, and he responded to God's free gift of eternal life thru Jesus Christ.

As I read the 23rd Psalm, I can't help but think of him growing up in the Great Depression, or fighting for our country on a remote island, or at his wedding, or when his three children were born. It gives me great comfort to know that he had a personal relationship with Christ to give him strength and guidance throughout his time here with us."

PawPaw is in heaven right now experiencing joy and happiness that I don't even think my flesh can describe the right way. One day there will be a reunion.

3-volley salute

Presenting the flag to Granna

PawPaw holding 3 week old baby William and Caroline