Joe Warber
On Tuesday I posted on my facebook wall that an honorable man passed from this life today. It doesnt seem like much coming from a son. Let me tell you what it means to be honorable. Webster defines it as being worthy of honor: having dignity, repute, esteem, a keen sense of right and wrong, high positioning, distinction; a person that brings respect and fame to his country, family, etc. Dad never sought honor, just always desiring to do what was right. That took on my faces. He started life from humble beginning, having little recollection of a mother and a dad who kept a large family in survival mode as we went through the Great Depression. He would have had to walk 18 miles round trip to attend high school as transportation (even horses)was not available. Plus he was needed on the farm. Dad loved his wife and family. He was a talented man who believed in not incurring debt. He repaired the family vehicle and gutted the family home, remodeling it completely. He dug a three quarter basement by hand, carrying the dirt out in 5 gallon buckets. He supported his children not only by attending their activities but by becoming a leader; coaching, assistant scoutmaster, merit badge counselor etc. When he saw a need in the community, he got involvednot to receive any notoriety but simply because there was a need. He personally took on the project of collecting money to fund the Ravenna Bulldogs first outdoor athletic scoreboard. He was proud that it was not corporately sponsored but by individuals, who were able to give a $1 or more. He personally erected a memorial at the Ravenna Cementary to honor veterans and have an aesthetic setting for the end of the annual Memorial Day Parade. We learned about volunteerism as dad allowed us to go almost weekly to clean the Legion Hall. He loved the American Legion and showed his patriotism by the many activities he got involved with or spearheaded. He took care of grading and adding a clay/sand mix to the main ball field in Ravenna. He also put in the dugouts which are still in use to this day. He gave us all a love for sports. He played fast pitch softball till he was 42 and was a bare handed catcher. I cant imagine catching fast pitch softball with no glove. He had trouble finding a glove to fit his huge hand with every finger crooked from being broken at some point and he tells us he never seemed to have the money. Dad loved his gardening. His prized dahlias were beautiful and enormous. We had a huge garden which we shared with many people. He sold dahlia tubers 6 for $1. He always gave extra in case one didnt take root. It was the same with sweet corn. We sold a bakers dozen (13) for 25 cents. Dad boarded horses for family and we took in many family members for temporary housing. At one time we took care of seven cousins as they lost their mother. Vacations didnt exist, but we never felt deprived as we were encouraged to get involved with everything in the community and in the summer time we looked forward to nightly swims in Crockery Creek, usually at Bromley Bridge. Dad loved mom and treated her like a princess. He showered her with flowers and other special treats. He loved to sing but couldnt carry a tune. It didnt stop him from trying and we loved to sing as a family. Dad took up golfing at age 53. Previous to that he thought golf to be a silly game. By the time his golfing days had ended he had 7 witnessed holes in one. He practiced yard darts and got so good no one wanted to play him as he would get ringer after ringer. Dad always strived to do his best. As we got older and each of us married and started our own families, dad was always willing to lend a helping hand or show us how to do things. Maybe dads best attribute was his teaching us of having an awe for God. We prayed together and were at church as a family whenever the church family met and organized activities. There is much more I could say but it gives you a taste of what an honorable man is. Let me close with some scripture that dad would want to pass on. Love the Lord your God will all of your heart, your mind, and your strength. Love you neighbor as yourself for the love of God. Do unto others as you would have them do onto you. But o as many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become sons of God. Even to those who called on his Name.I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by me.
Tuesday, March 22nd an honorable man passed from this life. I love you, Dad.