The Greatest of Them all and Other Tales From Disney Blanchard: Showing the Girls, #1

By tara robinett

My grandfather was one of the most amazing people this world has ever had the privilege of knowing. Now, he's gone and all we have left are his memories.

We miss him more every day. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tara E Robinett
• Release date: Sep 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201358761

Book preview

Obituary I wrote for my grandfather...

If you are about to throw out that old coffee can, stop, and consider the wonderful life of Leslie Don Lauen who returned to his heavenly home on July 11, 2020.

We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from L.D. during his 90 years of life, among those: never throw away an old coffee can. The uses for an old coffee can are varied and many, from spare piping on the septic line, to storing bolts, buttons, or pencils, a refuse tin for compostable vegetables, or even as a time capsule to hold buried treasures to be dug up with the grandchildren. L.D. spent his life sharing his faith and love for God at his local Church of Christ in Blanchard, OK, ministering to the imprisoned, delivering meals to the homebound, visiting with nursing home residents, and loving every person he met, especially his beloved wife Wilma Faye. The two married on Valentine's Day in 1949 and hardly spent a day apart.

Though his body was frail in the end, his spirit was full of grateful appreciation for the time he was given, the love shared, and the lessons learned. Up until the very end, his positive outlook, faith in God everlasting, and sense of humor remained with him—as did his desire to see to his beloved wife's every need, insisting that the 70 year old septic tank finally be replaced so her golden years could be spent without worry—an on-going disagreement right to the very end (after all, it lasted 70 years, what's just a few more).

Summer days were spent with the grandkids, swimming in the pond, catching fish, shooting BB guns and bow & arrows, riding unicycles, gardening, reading, inventing, and most importantly—laughing often and easily. Summer nights you would find L.D. next to Faye, surrounded by the grandkids, all sharing a bowl of fresh popped popcorn, ice cold soda, with his favorite show M.A.S.H. on the TV.

L.D. was a master craftsman, building on to and renovating his home and property for 70 years. An iron worker by trade, there wasn't anything L.D. couldn't fix, rig, create, or mend. L.D. loved to tell stories, and anyone who knew him loved to listen! L.D. was a natural teacher, sharing his tried and true methods for doing anything and everything. He was kind and soft-spoken and always had time to answer a question, read a bible verse, or just offer a kind hug. L.D. was creative and talented, trying his hand at everything from stained glass to painting beautiful Bob Ross-esq landscapes.

L.D. was proceeded in death by his beloved parents, 2 brothers, 1 sister, 1 grand-daughter, and numerous friends and extended family.

Knowing and loving you was the greatest parts of our lives. Though small in stature, you were larger than life in our eyes and hearts. We will forever adore and remember you, until we joyfully meet again, we'll keep a spare coffee can on hand always.

Our Husband, Daddy, Papa, and Friend, you'll be missed more than words can say and we know heaven rejoices this day at your homecoming.

My grandfather was one of the most amazing people this world has ever had the privilege of knowing. Now, he's gone