Last Friday saw the passing of a great man to his new life in Heaven. Kimberly's paternal grandfather's, Elmer (Papaw) Lagenour, physical body finally succumbed to a long heroic battle with cancer. Ten years ago, Papaw was given only a few months to live. He outlived that diagnosis by ten years. Kimberly and I have been blessed to have had all eight grandparents in our lives until Papaw's passing last week.Papaw was a singular man...a true renaissance man. He was a beloved father, husband, and grandfather. He was also an expert carpenter, musician...especially on his Gibson Les Paul, engineer, mechanic, farmer, rancher, hunter, fisherman, entreprenuer, pastor, theologian and much much more.He built and operated his own saw mill. He cut down his own trees and used the mill to construct his own house. He knew how to tap trees for syrup, cultivate an orchard, hunt for mushrooms, and lead a musical enesemble. He even ran a roller skating rink. His talents were wide and varied.
When he "retired" from Crane munitions he entered the ministry and pastored several churches. Hundreds came to his viewing and the funeral service. He had obviously touched the lives of many. He gave me a great appreciation for things I had never really considered such as the beauty of American roots music, gardening, nature and many other things. He presided over my wedding to his granddaughter. He showed confidence in me by inviting me to speak at his last pastorate...Doolittle Mills, Indiana. He was a true role model.He will be greatly missed and I hope that I can in some small way continue his legacy by reflecting his gentle Christianity and interest in the many aspects of this gift of life that God has given us.
