Raymond Payne Jones

Raymond Payne Jones, 63, of Amarillo died October 5, 2014.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, October 8, 2014 in Polk Street United Methodist Church with Dr. Burt Palmer officiating. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 South Georgia.

The following was composed by Raymond on February 20, 2004. He titled it Getting Personal on the Subject of Dying.

Several people I know have begun preparing their obituaries.  This is more a product of the aging process than some form of vanity.  These are good and well- intentioned men and women who have lost parents or grandparents and realized just how difficult preparing such a document could be.  Beyond the emotions and time restrictions brought on by a death such as this, there is the matter of compiling accurate and meaningful information.  Traditional funerals and traditional obituaries have seemingly placed very stressful expectations on family and friends.  Relieving loved ones of this burden is an appealing idea.

I have no criticism to offer on the format of any other funeral or obituary.  I do have thoughts on my own, however.  I do not intend to attend my funeral.  My plan is to be well on my way.  Cremation is preferable, and no physical display on my part is desired.  No coffin.  No burial plot.  No headstone for family members to visit or feel guilt over not visiting.  If you wish to speak with me after my death then tell the wind.  I would like to believe I’ll hear.  If not, at least you are outside enjoying the world around you.
Traditions are to be honored.  Obituaries, funerals and headstones clearly have a worthwhile purpose.  Forgive me if I wish to honor these traditions in a less traditional manner.  I read the memorials and obituaries of friends and family at their memorial services.  Then, I rewrite them in my head to include my own recollections.  Feel free to write mine from your own perspective.

As to my perspective on dying, I would share only one thought.  Since the car wreck I have no fear of dying.  Lots of things in life are worrisome and fearful to me, but death is no longer one of them. I believe there are opportunities for us after death.  Perhaps my revelations in the hospital were nothing more than drug-induced hallucinations.  Even if so, they were life-altering gifts that I cherish. We can discuss this further some day.

I do have a marker in mind.  I hope it will be you.  You are the best of my life and you are how I wish to be remembered.


Family Addendum:  Raymond lived on earth from February 20, 1951 until October 5, 2014.  He currently resides with the following other saints who preceded him in death:  his father, Allen P. Jones; his father-in-law, Arland A.Smith; and his mother-in-law, Florence Smith.  His living markers are: his mother, Marietta Jones; wife, Brenda Jones; daughters, Jennifer Edwards and Adeana Chasteen; sons in law, David Edwards and Jared Chasteen. His mini-markers are:  Andrew and Noah Chasteen, and Carlee and Blythe Edwards.  It’s the wind, until we meet again.

The family suggests memorials be made to Polk Street United Methodist Church, 1401 South Polk St., Amarillo, TX 79101

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