FUNERAL: Richard Land

Richard L Land, born December 2, 1945, in St. Louis, MO,…entered into his eternal rest, September 28, 2023, at the age of 77 years, 9 months, and 26 days.

Richard was the third of four children born to his parents, Warren and Geneva Land…his siblings being: Georgie-Anna, Randy, and Roger. He graduated from high school—East St. Louis High School—in 1963.

Richard then went on to serve our country as a member of the military. He served in the US Navy during the Vietnam era. Today, we will honor his military service a little bit later in our time together today. I am grateful for his service on behalf of our country.

After returning home from his military service, Richard, having moved to Kansas City, entered the civilian workforce. During his life, he held various jobs including with Tanquery & Associates (screen printing); Harley Davidson (painter, involved strict protocols down to the types of soaps and colognes you couldn’t use, etc.); AND for his son, Brian, as a driver in Brian’s limousine service.

Beyond work in importance…in the early-mid 1980s, he met Linda, and they were married here in Kansas City in 1985. To this home of theirs, the Lord added—as I mentioned a minute ago—their son, Brian. The Lord has also blessed Richard by extending his family to include numerous grandchildren.

Let me also go back to the time in Richard’s life shortly after he got home from his time in the military. It was then that Richard made the most important decision and commitment of his life when…he repented of his sin and trusted Jesus Christ to be his Savior and Lord. The best decision ever. For many years now, he and Linda have been members of our Claycomo Baptist Church family.

Throughout his life, Richard enjoyed various hobbies and interests…the most notable of which has to be guns and gun shows. We often talked about various guns and shows to which he had been…and deals he’d made. The next “hobby” of Richard’s of which I am aware is his enthusiasm for auctions and bid sales. On more than one occasion he came across items—like stuffed animals—in one of these auctions or sales which were ideal for our Operation Christmas Child shoe box gift ministry we do every year! Richard also enjoyed time in helping lead the Boy Scouts (in which Brian participated); and being involved in church gatherings and events.

Talking with Linda and Brian as we prepared for today’s service, I learned that he and I had something unique in common…we have both fallen off ladders! I think he won for who was injured more, but we are part of that elite club! And there might be another thing we have in common…not liking or knowing (especially when it comes to cars) how to take it apart to fix/get it working again.

As we talked, I also asked them to describe Richard in a concise way. WE all said things like opinionated (maybe even stubborn…or stubbornly so)…engaging (I remember him as always ready for a conversation…helpful (always looking for a way to help someone…like he did with the items he purchased to help with our OCC ministry, etc.).

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Warren & Geneva; his siblings, GeorgieAnna & Randy; and his son, Rick. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Beth Gesselman, Shawna Johnston, and Brian (& his very soon to be wife, Ashley) Land; his grandchildren, Austin, Alex, Tyler, Jacob, Brian, and Ciara; his brother, Roger (& his wife Ann), and many church family and long-time friends.

Song – “You Raise Me Up” - Celtic Woman

Dismissing for Military Honors [Outside, West Parking Lot]

Message – [Psalm 23] Four Assurances in the Face of Death

At times like these, we often look for assurance—something, or someone, we can hold on to. I believe that, just as in all the days of our lives, today we will only find lasting assurance in what our Lord has said (which He still says today).

One of the most treasured passages of Scripture to help us understand hope, even amid the grief and sorrow of the death of a loved one and friend, is Psalm 23. Here we find, for those whose hearts and lives are surrendered to The Good Shepherd (John 10.11-18), who is Jesus, … four assurances he has for us.

Psalm 23:1–6 (ESV)

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

A PERSONAL ASSURANCE (Psalm 23.1)

Psalm 23.1 - The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

“The LORD is my shepherd”

A PEACEFUL ASSURANCE (Psalm 23.2-3)

Psalm 23.2-3 - 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures”

“He leads me beside still waters”

“He restores my soul”

[[“He leads me in paths of righteousness”]]

A PROFOUND ASSURANCE (Psalm 23.4)

Psalm 23.4 - Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…you are with me”

[[“Your rod and your staff, they comfort me”]]

A PERMANENT ASSURANCE (Psalm 23.5-6)

Psalm 23.5-6 - 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”

“My cup overflows”

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”

“I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever”

These assurances are a blessing to all of us, who like Richard, have trusted Jesus as their Savior. Jesus himself is the one who said:

John 14:6 CSB

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Our relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord makes this great hymn, “Amazing Grace,” such a beautiful song of hope…and reminder of our assurance.

Song – “Amazing Grace” - Pentatonix

Scripture Reading – [1 Thessalonians 4.13-18]

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 CSB

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Prayer

Dismissal of Service

Related Media

Related Sermons