David "Russell" Barker's Funeral

1st Song - “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.

Welcome/Obituary by Rev. Terry Ryan

2nd Song - “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan

Scripture Reading/Prayer by Rev. Terry Ryan

3rd Song - “Lead Me Home” by Jamey Johnson

Eulogy/Message by Rev. Clayton Johnson

As I sat with Mr. Robert and Miss Glenda the other night, I quickly realized that today’s memorial service was going to be bitter sweet. Nobody in here will argue that Russell will be greatly missed. And it’s a sad day when you loose someone that was loved as much as Russell was, but that’s not where we’re going to rest.

From where I’m sitting and the family would agree, Russell will be remembered for so much more than his past mistakes. Russell will be remembered for how big he loved. Sure, Russell had struggles. If we’re being honest, we all do. Some of us just hide our struggles better than others, but to know Russell, was to love him.

There was never a dull moment with Russell. He would gladly give you the shirt off his back. As a matter of fact, Russell and his family took me in when I was homeless and lost in my addiction. I remember Russell even allowing me to have his room while he went out and slept in his shed. That was just the kind of guy Russell was.

There are so many funny stories that I will keep to my self for the sake of being a minister in a church. I want you all to know that Russell was a good friend and a brother and I will miss him dearly.

As I sat with Mr. Robert and Miss Glenda it was obvious that Russell believed in God. He told Miss Glenda that he spoke to Him everyday.

One of our mutual friends told me of a story when Russell needed a place to take a shower, he brought Russell to his and his girlfriend’s house. Bare in mind, the couple that I’m speaking of were in a dark place as well. While they were all sitting there talking, Russell asked them if they believed in God. Russell then went on to tell them that God was real and you couldn’t convince him otherwise.

Russell had got to a place in life where he was ready to go to his final destination and he asked God to take him there.

In Job 14:14 Job asked the question, “If a man die, shall he live again?”

The Word of God is abundant and clear in answering this question.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

Let me explain to you what happens when a Christian dies?

We leave our bodies and take up residence somewhere else.

Death is not the end of life.

At death we don’t leave home, we go home! What we need to understand about life is that it is a temporary assignment!

And it doesn’t stop there, it gets better.

It says we gain a better home.

John 14:2–6 NKJV

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Death is a decided fact, a defeated foe, a delightful friend.

I hesitate for a moment to call death a friend, but it’s the truth.

Death for the believer is just transportation to heaven.

2 Corinthians 5:1–2 NKJV

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven,

To the Christian, death is nothing more than a change in the environment

Often doctors will tell patients to move to certain locations because where they are now, affected them physically!

Hey, this is what the Great Physician does, and Russell would want you to know this.

The year of death is the year of release for the Christian.

Release from pain, sorrow, sickness, and worry.

When Russell breathed his last he was immediately ushered to his eternal home.

2 Corinthians 5:8 NKJV

We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

What a thought!

Paul gave what I call the Christian’s view of death in:

Philippians 1:21 NKJV

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

We don’t just die and go no where. You spent eternity somewhere!

Russell would want you to understand this!

We are not promised tomorrow!

Though death appears to be the enemy and in truth, is feared by most, we believe death is nothing more than a ride home.

On Sunday, May 26th, 2024, Russell got a ride home.

This doesn’t have to be goodbye, just goodnight.

Russell would want me to ask you, “Are you prepared to meet Jesus?”

Let us pray.

Father,

In the Name of Jesus,

Thank You for the life of Russell Barker. Thank You for allowing us to spend 44 years with him. God we know that Russell is now at his eternal home. I pray that You will bring comfort to his family and loved ones in their time of loss. God, I pray that if there is someone here that is not prepared to meet Jesus that you would convict their heart in this moment.

If you are not prepared to meet Jesus today, would you simply slip your hand up so that I can pray for you?

Either sinners prayer or:

For Christ’s sake,

Amen.

4th Song - “Someday I Will Lead The Parade” by Patty Loveless

Benediction/Closing Prayer by Rev. Terry Ryan