HOMEGOING
Long-time member and leader of this congregation, John Washington Wolf, quietly and peacefully went home on November 2, 2005, where he awaits us in eternal rest. This is our faith, based upon the promise of God and the faith we saw in John. John, or "J.," as he was known by his family and older friends, would not want us to eulogize him, for he was a reserved individual who did not seek attention or desire notoriety. But we offer this humble and abbreviated tribute as a model worth emulating.
How do you reduce eighty-four years of life into a capsule without diminishing the value of a person's life? This we hope to do by using four general traits that characterize John's life. He was the epitome of each, in our estimation. We hold them up for our readers to emulate, not to glorify John Wolf, but our Lord, Whose life John reflected to the best of his ability.
FAITHFUL. All who knew John testify that he was a faithful man. Faithful to his word. Faithful in his service. Faithful in attendance around the Lord's Table. Faithful to his family and friends.Faithful in his duties.
DEVOUT. Although he would be the first to humbly confess imperfection, there was never a doubt about John's devotion to truth, justice, and to God -- His Word and His people.
PROPER. John was a stickler. He wanted things done in the right manner and time. He championed time-honored traditions, whether they be in the area of etiquette or patriotism. From not wearing a hat in public buildings or at the table to correctly reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, John insisted on being proper.
COMPASSIONATE. Perhaps the most misunderstood and least appreciated trait of this man was his great compassion for others. Those who really knew John saw beyond the military uniform of rigid discipline and appreciated a man with a tender and generous heart. Now it can be told that John regularly asked if there were any children in our congregation who did not have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. He loved children and gave to those who had need. He was a giving man who lived modestly. Not only did he refuse recognition and shun public accolades, but his greatest satisfaction was in giving to others instead of obtaining things for himself. Many readers of these lines have never known, and probably never will know just how many of their blessings of God were delivered through the generous hands of this servant of God we knew as John Wolf. We already miss him. But we plan on seeing him again!
