Uncle Mertz

J.M. (Mertz) Lasater

The Centurion

Can you imagine what it was like a century ago when J.M. Lasater entered the human stream of events?  One hundred years of living and mercy, the things he saw and experienced.  A veteran of World War I, two other wars he lived through, all of the science, technology and progress unfolded in his life.  I cannot conceive of a world without television, computers, micro-waves, jet travel, fast food, double-knit and Japanese cars but he lived in such a world.

I think up until recently he could relate these eras of life with humor and precision.  A couple of bad falls slowed and eventually stopped this most unique man we knew as Mertz or, fondly, Uncle Mertz.  What a positive, joyful person he was.  A good husband of Mae, father to Mary Lou and Charles and grand-dad to Kim and Kelly.

I believe a part of me thought he would just live on.  He never seem to change his tempo of life.  Easy going, ever smiling, often whistling, hearty-eating, neat-dressing guy.  I often wondered how he stayed so slim being married to such a good cook as Aunt Mae but he remained unchangeable.  He wasn't a large man but he was sure big inside.  He worked steady, progressively toward life's goals.  I can't think of too much he would have regretted of life, for he fully embraced it and certainly was not intimidated by it's fierceness.

One could not say Uncle Mertz without saying Aunt Mae.  You mentioned the two names in the same sentence always because they were a matching set.  It was fun to watch them fuss over different ways they remembered things.  How often have you heard these words, "Ok, Mertz, you know that's not right!"  What precious people they were and now even more sweet is the thought of their being hand-in-hand in the heavenlies, strolling down the gold streets.  I do not perceive them as old, weak and wrinkled but young, strong and full of life.  Isn't that our God's plan to not only put us in His home but make us fit to enjoy it?

He did it.  He reached the century mark with full faculty of mind.  He died loving Jesus Christ, singing the old gospel hymns and cherishing the Lord's promise.  After all, a hundred years is nothing compared to eternity.  He was a Christian, church member, Baptist Deacon, friend and family man.  He will be missed but not forgotten.

Mertz Lasater, you were a good man.  You lived an uncomplicated, uncompromising life that is a good water mark for the rest of us.  He was not the best driver of a car but he could pitch horse-shoes; he didn't hear all of your words but he seemed to hear the birds singing; he didn't always sing on key but spiritually he was in perfect tune.  Would that we all were able to remain calm, poised and in control as he did through some hard times.

The family reunions won't be the same without Mertz there.  I believe he almost existed before family reunion began.  His prayers will be silent.  His smile but a memory and his "just always being there" will be no more.  Remembering Mertz will be easy.  I, for one, owe him a lot.  A gentleman, Christian and a man.  J.M. Mertz Lasater, well done!

Larry D. Sparks

MERTZ

He was a little Big Man,

through a hundred years of life;

He was indeed a good Christian,

loving his daughter and wife.

Mertz just never seemed to change,

even as we grew old;

He just kept walking the walk,

till he reached the streets of gold.

He sang like a professional,

in his own nasal tone;

He prayed like he knew God,

and could always reach the throne.

He was so in love with Mae

how it hurt when she died;

But he kept on living life,

knowing where they would ever abide.

He wasn't the best driver of cars,

later in his dear life;

I rode with him a few times

and caught upon my prayer life.

We will miss the presence,

of this good and godly man;

For he showed us consistency

and how to live out God's plan.

Larry D. Sparks

February 22, 1996