LEE M. HEATH, 70, of Fort Wayne, died on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 at hospice home. The Fort Wayne native was the son of the late Edward and Elinor Heath. Lee proudly served his country in the Air Force and was a member of the American Legion Post 330. He was the president of Central Liquidating Inc. and loved auto racing and was an avid racer himself known as "Ace" at Baer Field Raceway and Anthony Wayne Race track, politics and his family. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Mike) Uehlein; sister, Linda (Michael) Grepke; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother, William Heath; and sister, Adrienne Allison. Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015 at Covington Memorial Gardens, 8408 Covington Road, with calling three hours prior. Memorials are to the Hospice Home or Concordia Educational Foundation. www.covingtonmemorial.com
Otto Bergman
Lee and I were grade school classmates at Zion Lutheran School. May 18, 1958 was confirmation Sunday for our class when we confirmed the baptismal vows our Godparents took in our stead many years earlier. Although Lee and I were not close friends, by chance with him being seated on the lectern side of the main aisle and I on the pulpit side, we joined together as a pair when we approached the communion rails and knelt between them before Pastor Bernard W. Johnson to be confirmed.
How quickly time has moved on since that day over 56 years ago. If we remain true to those vows taken that day believing in our hearts that we as sinners are lost for eternity in hell, but through the blood of Jesus are forgiven of all our transgressions, then we can have the certainty of knowing we will spend life everlasting with Him and the saints in heaven. Most of us were likely not aware of it at the time, but that's the purpose of Christian schools, to lead students into a faith that strengthens them through this earthly life, and takes them into heaven for eternity.
Before taking the vows that day as a group, we sang the 5 verses of hymn 336 (TLH) "My God Accept My Heart This Day". After answering the questions presented by Pastor Johnson, it was quite moving to hear the Intermediate and Junior Choirs under the direction of Karl Peters sing "Lead Me Lord" by Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1818 – 1876, grandson of hymnist Charles Wesley). The short anthem was an extract from "Praise the Lord, O my soul", and based on Psalms 5:8 & 4:8 (Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of my enemies; make thy way straight before me. …for thou alone, O Lord, makest me dwell in safety.) Following the rite of confirmation, the choirs sang their second and last anthem, "Take Thou Their Hands and Lead Them" by Friedrich Silcher (1789 – 1860), with the words based on Isaiah 26:4 (Trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.) written in 1862 by Julie von Hausmann (1826 – 1901) just after her missionary fiancée died of a plague in Africa.
Nancy Doctor (Wheeler)
I was so sorry to learn of Lee's death. I have known him since second grade! I remember him as being a rather quiet person with a sweet smile! I want to express my sincere condolences to all of his family and friends. May God give them comfort, love and strength during this difficult time! Nancy Wheeler