Charleston Gazette
(Charleston, Kanawha County, West Virginia)
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Page Unknown
Today is May 24, 2013, and Walter Cleveland Rose departed from his 68-year-old earthly body, leaving behind the legacy of loyalty, wit, talent, sarcasm, adventure, compassion, stubbornness, honesty, intelligence and generosity.
Today a man who lived mostly on Jif peanut butter sandwiches, french fries, grilled cheese sandwiches and Corn Flakes is the guest of honor at a grand celebration in heaven with those four foods only on the menu and no generic substitutes.
Today a man with very limited hearing has left his hearing aids behind and will never again speak the word “huh?” as his hearing is now splendid.
Today a man with very limited vision has left his glasses behind and will never squint again, as his vision is impeccable.
Today a man with a weak heart is living in the great blue wonder, where his famous statement, “If I feel this good with 15% heart function then I don’t need a heart to survive,” is now experiencing eternal life Cleveland Clinic nearly gave him.
Today a man with the wit and sarcasm of a professional comic has the grandest of all stages to pull his best jokes on everyone he knows (look out folks).
Today a great storyteller is spinning the yarn with all of his old friends and family who have passed on before him and sharing stories of growing up in Tannery, driving fast cars, making arrests as the chief of police, hunting and fishing adventures and, most certainly, being married to the most beautiful woman he ever saw.
Today a bowhunter put away his bow and arrows to walk through all of God’s Country like a magnificent whitetail buck as he becomes as wise as a hoot owl he often imitated.
Today a fisherman put away his canoe, poles and jitterbugs to swim in calm waters with the “feesh,” as he called them, while his soul is cleansed in the holiest of waters, becoming eternal like the flowing mountain streams.
Today a carpenter laid down his hammer and saw to be restored in God’s workshop into an unmarred heavenly body like a perfectly crafted antique cupboard.
Today an officer put away his badge, gun and uniform in trade for a set of wings and a glowing white robe as he becomes a guardian angel, protecting the innocent.
Today a coal miner took off his hardhat in trade for a halo as he becomes one with the mountains to protect those risking their lives to power our country.
Today a Richwooder left Almost Heaven, West-By-God-Virginia to join Lumberjacks from years past as they reminisce about the good ol’ days and keep a close eye on the future of the City Merry on the Banks of the Cherry.
Today a friend of the most loyal and honest character left behind his amazing reputation as his legacy to carry his name forward in the hearts, minds and stories of countless people.
Today a son no longer misses his parents as he was reunited with his mother and father in a reunion a long time in the making, with Opal Crawford Rose and Argil Rose, and they have surely gone fishin’ with Velveeta cheese.
Today the youngest sibling of a trio said goodbye to his brother, Jim Rose and sister, Yvonne Rose Stewart, leaving them to carry on the memories of their generation forward.
Today a father-in-law said goodbye to the son and daughter who were welcomed into the family through marriage, leaving Kris Moose and Christy Lackey Rose imparted through example of how to be pillars of support and strength for their families.
Today a grandfather said goodbye to eight grandchildren, leaving Nic Persinger, Emmet Rogers, Ruby Rogers, Payton Moose, Gabriel Moose, Sabine Rose, Morgan Moose and Aubrey Moose with not one question as to what deep love, a sense of humor and family values are.
Today a father said goodbye to his three children, leaving Michelle Rose, Jeromy Rose and Marnie Rose Moose after decades of guidance from a mentor with unquestioned integrity, compassion and courage in hopes they have become an archetype of their daddy.
Today an eternally devoted husband went ahead to get everything ready for the day his beautiful bride, Yvonne Spencer Rose, returns to his arms to renew their vows of a love affair of epic proportions which started in grade school when their eyes first met and he professed that she would one day be his wife.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, at Simons-Coleman Funeral Home, Richwood, with Dr. Jay Cook and the Rev. Brent Franco officiating. Interment will be held in Geho Spencer Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, at the funeral home.
Walter loved flowers, but if you prefer to make a donation in his name, the family asks that they be made to Lumberjack Athletic Club, 1 Valley Ave., Richwood, WV 26261.
Contributed by Jackson Edward Wilson