Text: Matthew 19:13-14 (see below)
This morning I am attending the funeral service for John and Marcey Krum, long time residents of Hudson, Ohio and leaders in our community. Marcey was a dear woman who loved to sing in both church and local choirs. While I only had the pleasure of knowing Marcey over the last six years of her life, I will fondly remember leisurely lunches with both her and John at Laurel Lake; the coconut shrimp which was her favorite, the recounting of loving memories about raising children on Old Orchard Drive, riding in the annual Memorial Day Parade, and her deep and profound affection for her husband. Marcey was a dear woman who fought valiantly against the rages of Alzheimer disease. She died on November 10, 2011 at the ripe old age of 86.
John Krum will always be a hero of mine. He once told me that he wanted to live longer than Marcey simply to make sure that she was well taken care of. John was true to his word. He passed forty days after Marcey, peacefully and joyfully at the age of 90. My last conversation with him on December 22 will always be remembered for his abounding affection for life, for those he loved, and for his community. That moment, on a quiet night at Akron City Hospital, epitomized for me what John Krum was all about.
John set the record for the most lunches I have ever had with any parishoner. Over the course of six years, we lunched just about once a month. Those are now cherished memories. The routine was always the same, John would call me and say that he needed time with his “spiritual director” and I always followed that I needed time with “Your Honor.” I would pull into the entrance of Laurel Lake and there John was sitting on the bench ready to step out never wanting to keep you waiting.
Once in the car, John always had a plan – Deli on Rye – Zeppe’s - Hudson’s - Reserve Inn – Noble House – Otani. We always ate in Hudson, Ohio. We always supported the local establishments. That was John’s way. Lunch was never just one on one because John knew everybody by name, even the wait staff at the local restaurants.
John was a graduate of Amherst College, served in the United States Army and fought in World War II. He and Marcey were married in 1948 and John worked for 39 years with Pickands Mather & Company. He was a member of Christ Church Episcopal Church, serving on the Vestry numerous times and at the Diocesan level. A civic leader, John was elected Mayor of Hudson and served from 1999-2003. He was instrumental in the development of the First and Main retail complex in Hudson. One of his last civic projects, and one that he was passionate about, was the creation of the Hudson Veterans Memorial Garden in Markille Cemetery.
That last accomplishment will always be near to my heart for on the Memorial Day in which the Garden was to be dedicated, I was asked to offer the opening invocation and closing benediction. I was honored that day to ride with John and Marcey in the Parade through town. It was a picture perfect day. Marcey was seated in the front seat and John and I on the top of the back seat with the top down. A picture of that trio still sits on my desk as a reminder of a cherished moment with dear friends.
As we made our way up the parade route, it was clear who the shining light of this moment – John was. As we turned the corner at Route 91 and 303, the crowd swelled and John did not disappointment blowing kisses, waving, and basking in the well deserved adoration. At one point he leaned over to me and said, “Brian, blow kisses, blow kisses!” I replied, “Your Honor, if I blow kisses to these young children and their mothers, I will get arrested!!” He laughed. Marcey laughed. We all laughed together. Over the course of the next mile and a half, John Krum blew hundreds of kisses. But, many more kisses came back to him and to Marcey. God bless you both.
Love One Another - Brian
How to Achieve Peace
Dalai Lama
Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free.
Source: Verse and Voice, Sojourners Website
Matthew 19:13-14
Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs."
What a lovely tribute. Thanks for sharing this, Brian.
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