Dad,

In looking back you are and always will be our hero. There was nothing you couldn't do (at least that's how we saw it!) You served your country and did it well. You loved and raised your family and did it well. You disciplined with love, and we think it hurt you more than us, although at the time we didn't see it that way. You loved and stood by mother for 49 faithful years. A lifetime of joy and tears. Memories we will cherish for years. You both together raised two young men, and did it well. We trusted and loved you more than words can say. We knew we could trust and count on you. We often asked for advice and in return got love and prayers. You taught us about Jesus Christ and guided us down the right path. You lived as an example of a faithful Christian man. In your twilight years, God showered you with mercy and love. Hr brought into your life new hope, sunshine and joy. A woman of strong faith and a rich biblical name. That woman was Ruth. Watching the two of you find each other and fall in love was an experience I would not trade for love or money. Although your time together was short, I hope it was full of enough love to last a lifetime. To see you and Ruth smile and laugh brought joy to everyone around you and blessed us with an extended family. Dad, although the day was gloomy when you left us, the warmth of your smile and the joy in your laughter is the sunshine we'll carry with us until we meet again.

Forever in our hearts,
Ruth, David, Donald, Laura, Donald Allen and Phyllis