Middle Age Plus

We have lost two friends

Last week Vernon County lost two very special people. I know there were other deaths besides the two that affected me the most, but I want to share my thoughts about Lucille Butner and Judge Kelso.

Lucille was raised down the road from our farm but I didn't really know her personally until we were in our mature years. I had always known about the respected Post family and we would wave as we passed on our way to Moundville, but I didn't get to experience her humor, creativity and warmth until years later. Many in the county had Lucille as a teacher. I did not have that opportunity, but I saw the results of her gift in many of her students. What I enjoyed most was her way of having fun in many situations. We could exchange a glance and know that the other had seen the humor in a situation and share a smile. I was privileged to read her autobiography and I use it as an example when leading workshops on writing memoirs. She loved her family, her profession, the church, and her town. She will not be forgotten.

Judge Kelso became an inspiration for me when Lester and I were a relatively young married couple. He taught the Sunday School class in the old Centenary Methodist Church where other couples our age attended. It was the first time, in adulthood, that I had had a Sunday School teacher who inspired me and caused me to think. More than that, he was fun and interesting. He treated our class like part of his extended family and had us in his and Doradee's home for special events quite often. Their marriage was an inspiration in itself, but what I will never forget was reading a notice on the mirror in their guestroom. (I don‚t know why I was prowling in their guestroom. Perhaps I was looking for a bathroom.) This note said, "In this household we attend Sunday School and Church on Sunday mornings. As our guests you are welcome to accompany us, or remain here in our home." Then it listed the hours of the service and Sunday School. It impressed me with the simplicity of the statement and the lack of pressure on their guests to conform to the Kelso's commitment.

I know that he was very influential in the community and others will tout his achievements in law and politics, but I cherish his example as a husband, father and grandfather.

When our youngest son, Mark, was baptized, the Judge greeted us and said that he was a fine looking child -- for a boy. He was sure that no children could equal his three beloved daughters, and therefore he was very partial to girls.

Since we thought our two sons were pretty great little guys (as well as our daughter) we had a running conversation about the merits of the two sexes. This changed quite suddenly when he had a grandson of his own and cherished that male child also.

After we returned to Nevada when Lester retired, I began writing for the paper. The judge would never fail to make some complimentary comment about a recent article or column when we met. He was gracious enough to let me do an article on their historic home and their marriage and also gave me some background on other articles I was writing from time to time.

Although his health had failed in recent months, he always made the effort to greet us when we met at church or elsewhere. His life was a link to the past while remaining in the present.

Our community is lucky to have had him in our midst for so long.