Memorial Service for David Emery

On behalf of Central Schwenkfelder Church, deepest sympathy is extended to Marene, Jimmy and Jill, Bob and Michelle and Dave’s grandchildren: Bobby, Tommy, Zachary and Dalia, Haven, Christopher and Levi.

At a time of loss, Christians turn to God who gives them peace and comfort.

Our Scriptures for today tell a story. They give us a rendition of love from beginning to end.

1 Corinthians 13 presents the definition of love: what it is and what it is not. It speaks of a commitment that is the opposite of human nature and mirrors what we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. THings like patience, kindness, forgiveness, mercy and grace.

Romans 12 teaches us how that is practically worked out in a Christian's life. It is displayed in honor and brotherly love, service and preference shown to others.

And then as if we are given the culmination of such love, we see it coming into clarity in the resurrected life. When we are changed because of the resurrection of Jesus that took place nearly 2,000 ago, then comes into a personal reality for every believer.

What is all of this based on? It is the gospel, or the good news of Jesus.

This good news comes in the backdrop of bad news. This gives the believer a theology of death.  There is a certain inevitability associated with death.  Death entered our world for a reason.  That reason is due to the presence of sin.   Romans 5:12 states,

"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned….” 

As a result of the Fall and our disobedience to God, humankind suffered the sentence of death. 

All people die because all sin. We are told in Hebrews 9:27 that it is “…appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment….”  Everyone must die and then give an account of their lives before a holy and a righteous God. 

But as dismal as this situation may sound, it was for this reason that Jesus Christ came to this earth as God incarnate so many years ago.  Christ died and rose again to abolish death for those who trust in Him. 

Therefore, the believer possesses the sweet knowledge and anticipation of life after death, because Jesus arose from the dead.  The Christian lives in this world knowing that his real home is not of this world.

So the Christian learns not to despise death, knowing that something better awaits him.  The Apostle Paul wrestled with this when he wrote In Philippians 1:21-22

Philippians 1:21–22 ESV

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.

How do we access this gift of life after death?  It is not through being a good person or adhering to a moral code.  Although important, these have never been the way to eternal life.  Rather, a relationship with God is found through the gifts of repentance and faith.  Jesus preached at the outset of His ministry in Mark 1:14:

“The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"  

Repentance means to turn; a change of heart and mind.  It is implied in the act of confession; asking God to forgive you for your sins and offenses done to Him and to others. 

The other act is faith.  Faith is not just believing that there is a God, but embracing Him; following Him; becoming a disciple of Jesus.

Genesis 15:6 ESV

6 And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

So there is urgency for all to repent of their sins and place their trust in Jesus Christ, in order to possess heaven as their home.  It is a wonderful thing that God reached out to us in the gift of His Son, so we could be reconciled to Him. 

We are also here to pay tribute to the life of David Roland Emery. Dave was one of the most quality people you would know: Friendly, helpful, energetic, and a devout Christian.

Dave had great listening skills. He was creative with his jokes and was an eternal optimist.

Even while living with his disease, he would say: “I feel fantastic.”

Before he would leave the house, he would say: “Look out world, here I come!”

His special interests were tennis, playing guitar and spending time with his grandkids. He loved their sports activities, attending their concerts and awards ceremonies.

They called him “Pa!”

He like listening to Charles Stanley on the television or radio. He believed in seizing the day and doing courageous things.

As an educator:

One of his greatest accomplishments is starting the first chapter of the state of Pennsylvanian in the Academic Decathlon Program in 1984.

Dave was a math instructor at Methacton High School from 1963-2000. He also taught the subject at Ursinus College from 1962-2001.

He tutored kids at home and often stayed well after class to lend his help to those that were challenged by the material. He taught at both ends of the spectrum- those that were gifted and those that were challenged.

As a friend:

He was a true friend. He enjoyed being a part of an eight-member club that have been playing together since 1961. He also enjoyed playing ping-pong and was quite good. The families met once per month for picnics and trips in addition to playing cards.

Since his passing, I’ve heard how others cherished his friendship.

As a husband:

Dave was a wonderfully supportive husband. And his love was returned seven fold. Marene was his trusted confidant and caregiver. Dave always put her first. The couple was married for 63 years and had two exceptional sons in Jimmy and Bobby.

The couple was married at First Presbyterian Church of Pottstown. They knew each other ten years before tying the knot.

As a father:

Dave was a supportive father. If you were his child, you knew you were loved. He expressed his pride of you in many ways. He was always interested in your endeavors; always asking how you were; Dave was your biggest fan.

Dave was a family man. For instance, he loved his daughters-in-law as if they were his own.

Growing up, Bobby and Jimmy said: “Mom set the rules, but they both enforced them.” One of the greatest gifts he gave his sons is a love for learning. Dave put himself through graduate school.

He also played a lot of tennis. When teaching the game, he would say: “Hit off your front foot.” And that’s the way he approached life.

Granddaughter Haven remembers her grandfather being a great story teller. He was always aware of the situation and knew what others’ needs were for the moment. He was engaging, which is a great quality to have as a grandparent.

He defined self esteem as that which comes from being able to do something well and being proud of it; becoming proficient at something.

He invested courage in those around him. He always kept going. Dave was able to look at the challenging things in life, acknowledge them and keep going.

He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2008 and fought it valiantly for 18 years.

Jimmy recalls his father’s unwavering support. Feeling a calling to be a music major, Dave said to his son: “If this is your path, great!” His support was unquestionable.

Bob said there were three things that his father taught him:

Setting a good example as a husband and father. Be present and involved.

Approach life with a high energy level. Get at it and get it done.

Although his dad could not move, see or hear, he remained positive. Through his many surgeries and procedures, he was a good sport.

Dave was a faithful member of Central Schwenkfelder Church. He was always encouraging to me and grateful for my ministry.

He would want to be remembered as a good friend and a person who documented everything. He wanted to keep track of the memories. He adored his friends. He said: “I love you,” often.

As you say goodbye to him today, may you draw near to the One who invites you: “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Amen.