July 6, 1996

Topeka, Shawnee, Kansas, USA

Tribute written by his son for his funeral services.

He was often a man of few words. He never used that shopworn phrase, "Actions speak louder . . . " He just did what needed to be done.

In that second great world conflict, in the fourth decade of his life, when he was beyond the age of military conscription, and was already serving his country, protecting its borders, some wag from back home, some skeptic asked whether he was really about the business of defending his country. By action, not words, he showed the error of that question. He gave himself to higher service to his nation by joining its elite corps, it's toughest outfit ~ the Marines.

And so it was with all of his life, doing instead of just saying what needed to be done. Being there for his children, his friends and his students, often saying little but speaking volumes by his deeds. Teaching each and all of them the value of self-reliance, but tempered with compassion and understanding for error-prone human ways.

And how this quiet patriot loved and revered his country, its history, its ancestors, his family. Always returning each Memorial Day to his roots back home. Never forgetting to fly Old Glory on Flag Day (so close in time to his birthday!) And with pride, celebrating that greatest of national holidays, Independence Day.

Some have said how sad it was for him to have died on his country's great freedom day. But no, dear friends, it was a blessing, as Jefferson, Adams, and many great patriots who have gone before on that day have shown.

For as he often said, he lived a long and good life, and so to have answered that last roll call, that last mustering out from the ranks of those who remain on God's good earth, to a greater glory, on Independence Day, that day he loved so much, is the greatest honor to this man that is bestowed.

James Post (1911)