Coleman Frederick has changed
his Zip code. He has moved to a mansion whose builder and maker is a Thrice
Holy God. We gather here today to celebrate his long life which had so much
meaning and purpose to so many people. We also gather as family and friends to
share our love and support for each other. Most importantly, we come here to
hear a Word from the Lord.
(I want to say a few words
especially for the younger children present. This is not Grandpa Coleman. This
is just the tent he lived in while he was here. He has gone home to Heaven.)
Sometimes you hear folks say
“Those senior citizens sure hate to change.” I contend that senior adults,
especially those who have celebrated 97 birthday days are all about change.
Consider what Coleman experienced: He lived to see the Wright Brothers AND the
Super Mario Brothers. In communications he saw the change from the telegraph to
Text messages and Tweets. In the area of transportation he saw the transition
from mules to moon rockets and Mars’ rovers. When he was born the US Flag had
just 48 stars. Seventeen different presidents served this great nation during
his 97 years.
He spent his life leaning
forward in the saddle and he drove looking through the windshield with only an
occasional look into the rear view mirror.
But he was much more than
just adaptive to Change. He was a man of Character.
Maybe you've seen the church
signs that define character as “What you do in the dark when you know no one is
watching.” Another said, “Character is what you do when you know there is
nothing in it that benefits you.” Those are not bad, but isn't character more
than just what you do, or don’t do, it is what you ARE. Coleman Frederick was a
man of his word. Honesty was not a policy with him, it was his way of life.
Integrity, reliability, hard work, and a ton of other descriptions all apply to
this man of solid character. He was dependable for his family, friends and
neighbors and his Lord.
Coleman Frederick is the only
person I have ever met who could tell you the time of day with a laugh and a
smile. His voice was honey laced. I do believe he could just smile and stop an
argument. His self-depreciating humor and his humble understatement reminded me
of a combination of Gary Cooper and EF Hutton. When a grandson was named after
him, I remarked, “That ought to have happened a long time ago.” He said, in his
low voice wrapped in a chuckle he smiled and said, “Glenn, that’s kinda what I
was thinking.” He knew how to laugh and he helped others to respond in kind.”
He was an involved citizen in
the political affairs of his community, county, and country. I don’t know if
Guiness keeps records on the oldest person to regularly write letters to the
editor. If they do Coleman Frederick should be at the top of the list. He did
not shy away from delicate or controversial issues. Our Founding Fathers had
Coleman in mind when our Republic was established. An informed, involved
citizenry made this country strong and will keep it strong.
He was a much sought after
counselor for family and friends alike. Most of us here can give examples where
he has listened and suggested ways to solve some of life’s most challenging
issues.
But it is his compassion that
enriched the lives of his large family, his community and his church that I
will forever remember. He and Aunt Corene ran the Frederick Hilton for many,
many years. They took in blood kin, friends of their children, and others who
needed a night or several months of food and shelter and some old fashion
love.. Somehow they could stretch a pot of beans and cornbread to fed the
multitude. They even took in some stray dogs.
At night sleeping pallets and
spare beds seemed to fall from the sky. Unannounced visitors never saw a “No
Vacancy” sign. There was always room for one more. The Bible says we entertain
angels unawares. In the case of Uncle Coleman and Aunt Corene the angels ran
the Hotel!!!!
I don’t know all the songs
believers will sing in Heaven. It could be that on the all eternity Gospel
Singing program there is smiling guitar player singing “On the Jericho Road
there’s room for just two, no more and no less, just Jesus and you…” and I
suspect there are others there and others coming that will sang about Coleman
Frederick, “Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed…”
Coleman Frederick you have
fought a good fight, finished your race, and have kept the faith.
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I sure will miss him. He was my second Dad,
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