Marion G. Hartis
World War II Veteran
Korean War Veteran
20 year career in the US Navy
Retired United States Postmaster
My Father passed away on September 19th at the age of 83 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He was a man that enjoyed life to the fullest, a family man, an outdoorsman that taught my sons to hunt and fish, a dreamer and a romantic, a poet, a songwriter and a singer. My family and I will miss him so much. The following is a poem that he wrote while in the Navy that shows a beautiful spiritual side. I will definitely be thinking of these words as I celebrate the Holidays this year.
"Let Christ be with you this Christmas"
As the bells ring out so clear, spreading joy and Christmas cheer,
Let us all recall the holy birth of Christ our Lord this year.
While the bells of Christmas rings and an Angel choir sings,
May we all praise Christ our Lord and loving Master in all things.
We'll bow our heads in silent prayer, on that Holy Holy hour,
And thank God for all our blessings and the joys we have to share.
May the Christmas spirit be close to every Christmas tree,
And with every gift we give, Oh Lord, Let us give thanks to thee.
May Christ be with you all the way, on this joyful Christmas day,
Let him share the joy you feel in everything you do or say.
Though you be poor or rich with fame, Christ has borne your sin and shame,
So let him join you on the day of days, that bears his Holy name.
written by Marion G. Hartis on December 12, 1954, Memphis, TN
I've always wanted to know what it feels like to be the "model" and now I know. We have a group of artists that get together from time to time and paint each other or our spouses, our children, etc. My friends said that I did a good job modeling and didn't move too much but they didn't ooooohhhhhhh and aaaaaaahhhhh over my beauty, guess I'm more of a character model. My friend Angela painted this and I think she captured a good likeness--maybe a little younger but that's good!
