This past Wednesday I had the honor of conducting the funeral for a faithful gospel preacher and friend, David A. Stansberry.
Brother Stansberry was the preacher, as well as one of the elders, for the Westview church of Christ in Hamilton, OH. He had been preaching there for the past thirty years. Christy is from Hamilton, and she grew listening to brother Stansberry's preaching. He baptized her, and he later performed our wedding (20 years ago this August).
Brother Stansberry was not a flashy preacher. He had a deep but steady voice that set forth the truths of the gospel in a way that was easily understood. He did not desire popularity or approval from his brethren or from his peers. He was content to do his local work and allow God to receive the glory. I will miss hearing him preach.
When I conduct a funeral, I stay with the casket after the family has departed. It is during this time that the funeral director removes personal items (jewelry, eyeglasses, etc.) from the deceased and seals up the casket. Brother Stansberry's family had placed his Bible under his hands in the casket. When the director removed the Bible, I asked if I could give it to the family, and he handed it to me.
At the graveside, I opened brother Stansberry's Bible to 2 Timothy chapter three and began reading at verse sixteen. I read about how all Scripture is inspired by God and is able to make the man of God complete for every good work. I continued reading into chapter four, verses one through five, which contains Paul's charge to Timothy to "Preach the word!" Then I read verses six through eight:
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
After a short prayer, I handed brother Stansberry's Bible to his wife, gave my condolences to the family, and the service ended.
Thank God for the efforts of men to preach and live the gospel of Jesus Christ. Brother Stansberry has gone on to his reward, but he encourages us to follow him in a pursuit for the crown of righteousness.