Funeral Services for John Francis Astle November 9, 1951 - Providence, Utah

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Some time back I met Brother Astle and I said to him, "Brother Astle, when I pass from this world I want you to be my first speaker." He said, "Brother George, if I go first, I want you to say a few words at my funeral," and here I am. There was for some time that we thought he would have the opportunity of saying something at my funeral, but my time had not come. I am glad they gave me a little more time here. The accident that I am just recovering from, took its toll from me. I have nervous spells come on me, but I have a testimony of the Gospel that is the power that helps me until the day I die. I know that they are having a reception for Brother Astle - a family reunion in the spirit world - they are rejoicing that he is joining them, and it will be a happy reunion. You dear children keep in mind the teachings of your dear father and mother.

I was thinking the other day since visiting Brother Astle in his home, of the old people, and there are not many left that I knew when I was a young man. They have departed one by one to the other side. When I was visiting Brother Astle Sunday, I almost made mention to him that when he got over there, to find my parents, my wife, my two sons, my brothers and sisters and tell them that George is striving to keep the commandments of the Lord, striving to accomplish the mission for which he came here upon the earth to perform, but I could not say it. I was afraid it would worry him, but I did have the privilege of laying my hands upon his head and giving him a comforting blessing, for which I am very thankful. He said he rejoiced in every word I said. It is not for sorrow my tears are flowing, it is because I am rejoicing in the thought of the work he is engaged in. His life was filled up with usefulness. Everyone loved Brother and Sister Astle and the whole family - a wonderful family. It seemed that Brother Astle had a way of watching people and giving them encouragement and help, and I humbly pray that our Father in Heaven will be with his children, that they will all love the truth - love the Gospel. This salvation is a wonderful thing to strive for. I might mention that I hope, when my time comes, to go where Brother Astle has gone so as to be in good company, and I rejoice to say that one of his brothers married my sister in the temple. I rejoice dear friends, in the mission of life and I never can find words to express my gratitude for what this dear Brother has done for me, instilling in my soul the love of the Gospel. It is through him that I became active in the church, and I do appreciate beyond words to express, the honor that came to me today, to say a few words here. Since I was notified of this, I have not had much sleep, thinking and praying that I may be able to say something that would encourage the family. I hope that, the time will soon come when I can join him over in that wonderful place, and that I will always be as faithful and prepared as Brother Astle was.

I pray that the Lord will bless Sister Astle and the family, that they will always keep in mind the Gospel. May peace be with each and give them comfort. I will venture to say, do not be surprised if Brother Astle visits you sometime, maybe soon, to give you encouragement. I have been visited by my father at times, and given encouragement. My wife, who has departed, has come to me several times to give me counsel and advice. Her voice is just the same as it was before she left this mortal life. It is wonderful, Brothers and Sisters, to be a member of this church, the only true church on the face of the earth. I believe the story of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know that it is true. I know that my Redeemer lives, God lives and Jesus is the Son of the living God. It is wonderful, Brothers and Sisters, to have a testimony burning within your soul that the Gospel is true and that there is a responsibility resting upon us to live it so that we can have Eternal Life. May this be our happy lot for each and every one, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Remark - Bishop Eugene Yeates:

My Brothers and Sisters - from the standpoint of a Latter-day Saint I do not think I have ever heard finer tributes paid than have been paid today. I have known Brother Astle for thirty years. I worked in the bank where he did his business and got well acquainted with him. I have observed him all through the years as a High Councilman - for ten years in Logan Stake. I met him on many occasions and I observed his friendliness and humbleness and faith and devotion; his kindness and appreciation to his friends and family. He has been an asset to society, never a liability and he has left a fine heritage. When I look into the faces of his son and daughters, I look at people who have the conviction of the truth of the passage, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and righteousness, and all else will follow."

The past year Brother Astle lived in my ward and as Bishop, I visited them several times. He loved the Priesthood of God and when I went into his home, I am sure he appreciated it because be honored the Priesthood and respected the men at the head of the ward and stake. I learned there to appreciate his good wife, Clara, because she was so devoted to him and kind and helped him in every way. When they came out to Church, she was so careful to help him. Since he had that sick spell a year ago, he could not get around so well and she helped him so much. I know the Lord will bless her for it. Brother Astle spent nine years out in the world as a missionary and David spent time in the mission field and at the present time, he has five grandchildren on foreign missions and two in the armed forces. They are following in the footsteps of their grandfather and he has set a wonderful example. May God bless his wife and children, that they may emulate his example.

On behalf of the family, I wish to express thanks and gratification to all who have taken part today and who have helped during the sickness and passing of Brother Astle. Also for the floral offerings and kindnesses that have been extended to them. May God bless them and go with them to Grover Ward, where there will be services and he will be interned tomorrow afternoon. May God's blessings go with them I pray in Jesus name, Amen.

Vocal Duet - "O My Father" - Elizabeth Thorpe & Pearl Rice:

O my Father, Thou, that dwellest in the high and glorious place; When shall I regain Thy presence and again behold Thy face? In Thy holy habitation, did my spirit once reside? In my first primeval childhood was I nurtured near Thy side?

For a wise and glorious purpose Thou hast placed me here on earth; And withheld the recollection of my former friends and birth; Yet oft times a secret something whispered, "You're a stranger here;" And I felt that I had wandered from a more exalted sphere.

I had learned to call Thee Father, thru Thy spirit from on high; But, until the Key of Knowledge was restored, I knew not why; In the heav'ns are parents single? No, the thought makes reason stare! Truth is reason, truth eternal, tells me I've a Mother there.

When I leave this frail existence, when I lay this mortal by; Father, Mother, may I meet you in your royal courts on high? Then, at length, when I've completed all you sent me forth to do; With your mutual approbation let me come and dwell with you.

Benediction - President George A. Raymond:

Our Father who art in Heaven, at the close of this beautiful service, we, with grateful hearts, thank Thee for the spirit that has abided during this service. We are thankful, our Father for the words that have been spoken relative to the character and integrity of this man. We thank Thee for the encouragement that we have taken from the life of this man and the reward that he is assured according to the obedience to Thy commandments, that we will all be led back into Thy presence. Father in Heaven, we are thankful for the promises that Thou has given us. We know Heavenly Father, that Brother Astle has gone to that reward and that he will be called to preside over his great posterity and that he will be a king in that kingdom. Father in Heaven, we pray again that Thou wilt be with his wife and children and grandchildren, brothers and sisters. Let Thy comforting presence be with them, Heavenly Father, and make up to them for their loss, because indeed, their father and grandfather has gone to a rich reward. Father, now we ask Thee to bless us, grant Thy spirit to be with those who go to the other valley, that they go in peace and that we will all be blessed continually for our obedience to Thy principles and bless us that we may emulate the example that has been set by this Thy servant. Praying that Thou will be with us and give us encouragement and faith to go on, we humbly ask in the name of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

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