Funeral Service - Leonard Garrison

Song - Peace in the Valley

Song - Where Roses Never Fade

Reading of Obituary and Prayer

Leonard J. Garrison, 76, husband of Martina Tipton Garrison, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024, at his home in Winchester, Kentucky. Born in Paris, Kentucky, on December 11, 1947, he was the son of the late Leonard and Evelyn Himes Garrison. He was a retired forklift operator and a member of Durbin Memorial Baptist Church.

In addition to his loving wife of 46 years, he is survived by siblings, Ronald Garrison, and Carolyn Parsons; friends, Rita and Alex Rowady(Roe-Wodd-Ee); several nieces, nephews, and cousins

Pray

Song - Come Spring

Sermon

Psalm 40:1–3 ESV

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.

My name is Brad Pearce. I am the pastor of Durbin Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington Kentucky. On behalf of Miss Martina, I would like to thank all of you for being here today.

It is never easy for us when someone we love passes on.

When a husband, a brother, a friend is suddenly no longer with us, it brings upon strong feelings and reactions. We feel both the pain and confusion of loss.

I want to tell you today, as a minister of the Lord, there truly is comfort in the Lord made known to us through the Word of God. I want to encourage you all in this time to rely on the Word of God and the bonds of love that can exist in this room between family and friends. May all of us here today commit to supporting this grieving family with our love, support, and prayers.

Unfortunately, I did not have the great pleasure of getting to know Mr. Leonard Garrison. I can say with all certainty, that Leonard had an infectious smile. Every photo of him and Miss Martina is marked by great love and joy distinguished by that great big smile. While I do not speak as an expert, I do want to honor Mr. Leonard with some reflections on his life shared with me by those closer to him. From all accounts from those at church, Mr. Leonard was a man of few words but big laughs! A joy to be around. He was an excellent bowler and growing up he got opportunities to bowl in competitions across the United States, from state tournaments here in Kentucky to events in Washington DC, Vegas, and Reno! He even bowled in a benefit for St Jude. Using his gifts to help others.

The last few years were difficult for Mr. Leonard. Struggling with health and mobility was limiting. That said, from the comforts of home he was able to enjoy some of the marvels of creation and the ingenuity of man. He and miss Martina had wonderful collections of Disney figurines, bears, glassware, angels, and precious moments. Every Holiday he would decorate a specific table in the house for the season at hand with a wonderful display that brought joy and beauty into the home.

Mr. Leonard had no problem staying hydrated as he could usually be found with a 40 ounce mug of sweet tea on him at most times! That mug, given to him by a family member, was adorned by a big picture of the WWE’s Andre the giant! He’d sip his tea while watching Monday Night Raw, Friday Night Smackdown, while watching the Warriors and Suns from the NBA, on the days in between.

Mr. Leonard was a hard working man, spending most of his life as a forklift operator amongst other jobs, and providing for Miss Martina. He knew what he loved and at the top was Miss Martina. I know he must’ve been so grateful for you and the care you provided, especially over the years since his medical emergency. You all shared 46 years of beautiful marriage together. That should be cherished and celebrates as it models the unwavering marriage between Jesus Christ and His church.

Many of you probably have many more wonderful stories from your time with Leonard. Stories of sharing a laugh in the back of the church sanctuary, working, or laughing together. Cherish those stories. Share them with someone today.

Today, I want to briefly share with you a message of hope amidst loss. This message is not for Mr. Leonard, but for those of us here. This is a message for all those made in the Image of God. This is a message of hope in all situations for anyone and everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus.

Philippians 1:21 ESV

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

The reality of glory and Leonard’s presence there is a great consolation. But the prospect of finishing this life without him is, to say the least, an enduring burden. In Philippians, Paul expresses three ways that he worked at bearing up under the burdens of this world.

First, no matter where he happened to be in the race of life, Paul’s eyes were fixed on the last day. In chapter 3, he writes that false Christians place their confidence in the here and now, while real Christians place their confidence in what’s to come—their “heavenly citizenship,” as he put it (v. 20). Runners keep their eyes on the finish line. Paul didn’t look back. He ripped off the rearview mirror aimed at his past and continued “straining forward” for the prize in Christ (Phil. 3:13). That’s the first way to bear up under the weight of Leonard’s absence. It is understanding that God uses all things together for the good of those whole Him and are called according to His promise and that you can walk forward today even with Christ who gives you strength.

Second, Paul was sustained—and thirteen times he exhorts the Philippians to be sustained—by joy. He did not exhort his readers toward happiness, which is fleeting, rising and falling on the vicissitudes of our happenings. Rather, Paul exhorted the Philippians to rejoice. Joy is rooted in Christ, transcends death, and, as one scholar puts it, is “the emotion of heaven.” In Philippians 4, joy is part of the equation that enables Paul to do all things—even the hard things—through Christ.

Third, Paul understood that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). Now, I’ll tell you what you might have heard: “To live is gain, and to die is Christ.” And here’s why you might have heard it that way. In our extremity, we all pray to live—that would be gain. But to die, well, at least we get Christ. But that’s not what the verse says! It says, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” What does that mean?

“How did Christ live? Certainly he lived against the headwinds of this world, but not without joy (John 15:11; 16:33)! How did Christ die? He died as the resurrection and the life! John 11:25 says, “Whoever believes in me [like Leonard], though he die [like Leonard], yet shall he live [like Leonard].” That is gain—enduring gain that ultimately overrides the weight of living in this world, even a world without Leonard.”

The gain in Christ is so-so good! Let me explain a little more on what we gain through faith in jesus Christ:

1. We Gain a better body – a glorified, immortalized, resurrected body.

2. We Gain a better home.

3. We Gain a better inheritance.

4. We Gain a better fellowship.

While we are here and our loved one have passed from this earth, it is natural to focus on the sorrow, but I’m here today to tell you that Leonard is not sorrowful at this moment. Leonard is rejoicing in the presence of the Lord.

Those who know the Lord have overcome the drudgery of this world. But allow me to ask, what about you? Do you have the faith that is the victory that overcomes the world?

Do you know that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God? Do you know that Jesus stepped out of heaven to live the perfect righteous life, to then die on the cross? Do you know that in His death He paid the price of your sin? Do you know that Jesus rose on the third day and in His resurrection all those who believe in Him are assured of their own resurrection? Do you live your life recognizing that Jesus is Lord and live in submission to His command? Do you love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength?

If not and you are coming to understand that you are a sinner in need of salvation, reach out today. Find a moment and talk with a pastor or a friend who you know loves the Lord. When you understand Jesus as your savior you will see that meaning of this life is to glorify the Lord and in death you gain the glory of heaven. Do not linger, days like today remind us that we do not know how much time we have on this earth. When you know, believe, and live the gospel you will understand the hope with which Apostle Paul wrote:

Friends, in the midst of our grief, Jesus stands as a beacon of light in the darkness, offering comfort to the brokenhearted and hope to the despairing. He understands our pain, for He Himself experienced the agony of death on the cross, bearing the weight of our sins so that we might be reconciled to God.

And now, as we remember Leonard’s life and legacy, we are reminded of the urgency of this gospel invitation. For none of us knows the hour of our own departure from this world, but we can take comfort in the assurance that Jesus has prepared a place for us who believe in Him in His Father's house.

So, I extend to you today the most profound invitation you will ever receive — an invitation to come to Jesus, to surrender your burdens at His feet, and to find rest for your weary souls. He stands with open arms, ready to welcome you into His loving embrace, regardless of your past or present circumstances.

Philippians 1:21 ESV

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Leonard lived 76 years on this earth and made an impact on many people. Right now, we grieve as we long to make more memories with him. At the same time we are thankful for the memories and interactions that were had. Today, as we pay our respects, and I pray that would we contemplate the hope there in Jesus, today may we be resolute in love for God and love for one another. I don’t know if there is bowling in heaven, but if there is I’m sure Leonard is finally hitting that 300 that eluded him here. By grace in faith in Jesus Christ, we can join Leonard in glory. Living now is Christ, and in death gaining glory.

Matthew 6:9–12 ESV

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Matthew 6:13 ESV

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Pray

CEMETARY

ANOUNCE TO CROWD

1 Corinthians 15:50–58 ESV

I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

My friends: Whereas death has once more invaded our ranks and removed from the walks of life our beloved Brother Leonard, his soul having departed to dwell in “The undiscovered country from whose Bourne no traveler returns,” it has become our duty to commit his body to the grace: Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, and to commit his soul to our Maker, Father and Redeemer, in the hope and assurance of the coming again of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the body from the grave, and the joyous life reserved for the children of light in the realms of glory.

You may then ask the people to bow for prayer and say: “This prayer will conclude the services.”

Following the prayer, shake hands with family members and move out from under the canopy.

By custom the minister stands near the head of the casket. Funeral directors almost always tell you which end is the head.