Funeral: Monteers & Family

John 14:1–6 CSB

“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. You know the way to where I am going.” “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Pre-Service - Instrumental Hymns

Seating of the Family - Informally @ 1.55pm

Song - In the Garden (Alan Jackson)

Welcome & Prayer - Shane

Life History - Shane: Jerry & Steve; Me: Leonard & Phyllis

Leonard Jackson Monteer, born November 30, 1946, in Redding, CA, to his parents—Kenneth & Grace (Smothers) Monteer…completed his race and entered his eternal rest on September 20, 2020 in North Kansas City, MO, at the age of 73 years, 9 months, and 20 days.

Leonard’s lovely bride, Phyllis Elaine (Hunt) Monteer, born October 14, 1951 in Santa Anna, CA, to her parents—Clyde & Betty (Shawver) Hunt…entered the presence of our Lord, her eternal home, on September 25, 2020 in Kansas City, MO, at the age of 68 years, 11 months, and 11 days.

Growing up, Phyllis’ was the third of four children, including her siblings—Kay, Russell, and Wanda. She attended school all the way to high school but did not graduate...

Similarly, Leonard grew up in a home with brothers and sisters, the second of six children, including his siblings—Jewel, Theresa, Connie, Kitti, and Kenneth, Jr. He would graduate from Van Horn High School as part of the Class of 1964.

For the next part of each of their lives…the story goes like this. Phyllis’ grandmother stopped at a gas station. She thought that her granddaughter should get to know the young man that worked there. So, when she got home she encouraged Phyllis to go get to know him. They would eventually would go out on a date…and initially Phyllis didn’t like him…but he grew on her. On June 16, 1969 they began their lives together as husband and wife.

To the establishment of their home together, God added children—Stacy, Steven, and Jennie. Sadly, Jennie would die at the age of nine months. Not too long after that, Robin and Rhonda would become an ‘adopted’ addition to the family. Through the years they have also enjoyed the blessings of grandchildren and a great grandchild as well.

Throughout their life together, Leonard worked as a security officer, a truck driver, and…for 33 years…a Metro Bus driver. He took on the responsibility of providing for his family. Phyllis, therefore, was able to stay at home and only occasionally taking on a baby sitting job.

While they each enjoyed varying interests, it often came back to family as primary. Those same family members have described Leonard as frank and “real,” as well as stubborn (aka ‘annoying,’ like the rest of us), and a worker/provider…and Phyllis as sincere, caring, family-focused, and faithful.

Faithful...Most importantly—I am able to share with you today that in 1976, Leonard trusted Jesus Christ to be his Savior and Lord…Phyllis, too, came to the point of realizing her need, as a sinner, for repentance of sin and placed her faith in Jesus to be her Savior and Lord as well…in 1963. Most recently, they had their lives connected with our church family, Claycomo Baptist Church…and our extended family here at Solid Rock.

Both Leonard and Phyllis have been preceded in death by various family members and brothers and sisters in Christ. They are survived by you—family—who have the privilege of carrying on in their honor and memory…as well as their brothers and sisters in Christ…and many other friends also.

Song - Old Rugged Cross (Alan Jackson)

Eulogies - Family: Hanna

Song - Way Maker (Leland)

Message - Me: John 14.1-6, Eternal Hope; Shane: John 14.6 & 3.16, Gospel

As we come together today, as we’ve said, we do so to honor and remember our family members or friends. The significance of this (these) relationship(s) has been built upon conversation—talking together. Hangin’ out together…sittin’ at the table (long after dinner’s done)…enjoying this simple, significant part of our lives.

Today, we’d like to have one more conversation…with Jerry or Steve or Leonard or Phyllis. Part of what I believe any of these loved ones, fellow Christ followers, or friends would share with us today would be the simple truth—straight-forward, bedrock, foundational, unshakeable truth—in which we (those whom the Bible calls disciples, Christians) find comfort, assurance, hope, and joy…even in the midst of mourning, sorrow, and grief… We find this truth in John 14.

Jesus is Lord! (John 14:1)

Jesus is Preparing! (John 14:2)

Jesus is Returning! (John 14:3)

Jesus is Savior! (John 14:4-6)

…speaking specifically of this extremely significant truth, my friend, Shane, has something to say…

Song - Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone (Chris Tomlin)

Prayer - Me

Dismissing of Friends - Song - Home (Chris Tomlin); To foyer to get balloon and make way to parking lot...