My Funeral

To my family:

As we gathered and visited at my father’s viewing a number of years ago, some of my siblings started to talk about what they wanted and didn’t want when they died: the kind and even color of flowers, etc. I was so surprised as I had never thought about those things. I was also quite sure that it was the first time any of them had made such things known.

I have thought many times since then that if there are things we care about, we ought to tell someone, and even get it in writing.

So here’s mine. These are the things I care about:


Expenses: I do not want a lot of money spent to bury me, so don’t feel guilty if you choose the cheapest casket; I would. A pine box is just fine. Though I love a soft bed, I don’t need one when I am dead and without feeling. I’ve also learned that Costco sells caskets, and there is a casket discount store in Dallas, Texas.

Location: The one expense I may forgive is getting me out of Texas. I don’t care where I’m buried, just not Texas. Washington is home, and Cemetery Hill right in the neighborhood, but if people want to visit my grave and Utah or Nevada is more convenient, then anywhere in the West is fine with me. I don’t think I’ll have any trouble finding my body.

Speakers: Anyone who wants to speak may speak, but no one has to. I hope it's not too hard to find something nice to say about me. All to be done in praise and testimony of the Lord's goodness.

Music: This is the one area I care about.
I have joked about singing the Michael McLean song, Together Forever, because then I know everyone will, after they laugh, cry. But I’m not kidding; the music is on my piano.
The one song I really want sung was sung at my Mother’s funeral: Goin’ Home. It expresses so perfectly just the way I feel. The music is on my piano.
I have asked my son Jonathan to sing at my funeral. He can sing alone or with someone, a song of my choosing or his, but I would like him to sing. (I like Negro spirituals.)
The one hymn I care about is Be Still My Soul. Think of my testimony when you sing it.

If you want to know my other favorite hymns, they include:
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation
Sing Praise to Him who reigns above, the Lord of all creation
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Father in Heaven, in thy love abounding
Redeemer of Israel
Abide with me
Holy, Holy, Holy

People: I know it doesn’t always seem worth spending a lot of money to go see someone who is dead, but I’ve learned the hard way that I would like all of my children at my funeral. You might learn something about me you didn’t know, or think better of me than you have. Besides, you have to stake your claim to my junk.
Otherwise, let my siblings know and email everyone in my address book. Some old friend might miss me.

That’s about all I care about. Don’t stand out in the rain. Tell your children of my testimony. Cry for yourself if you must, but do not cry for me. I will be in Heaven, and happier than you can even imagine.

And don’t forget, I’ll be holding a place for you at my table.