I come from a long line of characters!
Preachers, teachers and rambling folks with a keen sense of humor and wide open heart to serve others. Good people, my mom’s side. Lost another today! A man of real character and humor!

One of my favorite uncles passed today… one of my mom’s many brothers.
Look at the fruit of serving others for your whole life!
He was a teacher, principle, mentor and father to many, especially those who struggled to fit in. Good man, and a funny man!

My uncle and best joke teller ever. I can’t remember any time we spent together when he didn’t tell at least three jokes.

Once i went on a trip with him to Arkansas with all the living brothers, to put headstones on the graves of two children who were still born from their family. We had to stop on Toad Suck Arkansas, just for the name, and then of course stopped in on Aunt Birdie in Romance, Arkansas. Bobby just made things fun for people, and funny.

He served helping so many kids over the years, and his kids all became teachers who serve as well. Good man, bears good fruit. He did. Miss you Bobby, just wanted to hear one more joke. We have that humor Butt’s gene. I can’t remember a time with you, where you didn’t make me laugh. You’ll be greatly missed uncle Bobby!

My mom came from a family of ten (with two lost kids-still born, in addition), and they are all tall tales to be sure. And tall tellers! That family is a story, and carries stories! Homesteaders back in the day, then just about everything else since.

But also, even over holiday, i was reminded of how humorous, servant hearted and really life giving each of them are. And Bobby was my favorite uncle ever! He put the Hope in Optimism! The joke back into even hard topics like religion. I liked that he never took himself too seriously, but deeply cared for people. And lived a life of service as that whole family does! We live to help others out! Especially those who need it most.

I was privileged also to know Archie, the oldest, also intimately, as he gave me my first job on his ice cream truck. He was also an itinerant preacher, and left me his last sermon. I think i got both a love of ice cream and Jesus from him.
I was also close to George, who also had that twinkle and tender care in his eyes. Nice to grow up with a caring extended family! Still, thankful for that heritage.

My mom’s side, rocks! And they are hilarious as well.
Anyway, my mom’s family is great, and i’m thankful to be in their line and story.

Sorry to lose my uncle today. He’ll be missed. Can’t wait to make up jokes with him again down the line. He kept me on my toes.
He had cancer, and last we spoke on the phone, he said if he’d of known i was there, he would’ve stayed home. Funny guy! Joy goes a long way in the midst of suffering, and Joy implies Hope!

A life well lived keeps giving afterwards. His does! So many kids know they are loved because of him. I’m thankful to be in his line of lovers of life! And servants.

His kids are the type of people who grow up and become the best teachers of the year! As Jane is! Sending love to the family clan today, and comfort and joy in celebrating a life well lived!

Here’s what good fruit looks like, and article about his daughter, and my cousin Jane! Good men make good fruit! Praying comfort towards his immediate family today! Great folks!