My brother, Jon suggested that I post the eulogy that I read at the funeral on this site, so here it is:

Ernest L. Stuck Eulogy

I have so many fond memories of my dad. One of my earliest memories was when I was around 7 or 8, I believe, is of a special day when Dad took me to Islay’s ice cream shop downtown Titusville that no longer exists today. It was just the two of us on this outing, which was unusual since taking care of five children didn’t allow for much ‘one on one’ time. Once inside, I remember hopping up on the stool at the counter, anticipating the delightful ice cream treat that I would shortly be consuming. He had told me that I could get whatever I wanted and so I ordered a strawberry sundae, complete with the whipped cream and cherry on top. Dad had ordered a banana split, one of his favorites. I don’t recall what we talked about as we sat together enjoying our ice cream, but what I do remember is that we were in no hurry to leave and when we finished, we walked out of the shop with my hand in his and my heart was full of happiness because I got to spend a lazy afternoon with just me and my dad.

I will always cherish other memories of leaf hike excursions down in Boughton and Slippery Rock, playing hide and seek in the dark, hearing my dad slowly coming up the stairs, planting a hard thud on each step, and being petrified with fear that he would find me and then when he did, expelling screams that turned into laughter as I tried to get away. We would play card and board games on Friday nights. There was a time period where every pay day, we’d sit around the table deciding what game we would play, then Dad would ask, “Who wants to go into town and get a new game?” This thrilled us because half of the excitement was bringing the game home, opening it and setting it up to play. “Kick the Can” with dad was just the best! I always liked to be his helper, finding the other kids, because, like Hide and Go Seek, it was scary having Dad find you.

Dad had a motorcycle for a while and I loved riding with him, holding onto his waist, zooming down the road with the wind. I was never afraid; I trusted him completely to get us home safely.

My dad loved music and his taste was eclectic, for which I am grateful. He didn’t prefer just one genre. His diversity encompassed rock, country, jazz, Motown, soul, classical and a few gospel favorites, to name a few. He would sometimes dance around the house. One favorite of his that has been passed down to his great grandchildren is “The Popcorn Song.” He would try to keep his feet going as fast as the music and we kids would try to keep up with him until our feet would go crazy and we’d end up on the floor, laughing hysterically.

Dad’s sarcastic humor was one of a kind; the Stuck humor, it’s called, passed down through the generations to this day. It wasn’t but a month ago that Jeremiah, my grandson, his great grandson, responded to Grandpa during a conversation with a typical witty “Stuck” response to which Dad chuckled and said, “I like this kid.”

Growing up, there were times when Dad would have talks with me, passing along a life lesson. A few of those lessons were:

1. Be assertive. Sometimes, you need to make things happen.

2. Don’t be a whiner; nobody likes to hear someone whining and complaining all the time.

3. Possess a quiet confidence; not cockiness, but a healthy pride in who you are and what you’ve accomplished.

4. Have a firm handshake, not a “fish” handshake, he called it. He even demonstrated what he meant by flopping his hand around and making me laugh.

5. He explained the “incentive” versus “hourly” work ethic. He went into detail about how incentive is more productive and profitable.

6. It’s ok to cry sometimes. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and shows that you have deep feelings.

Here’s a little Ernest Stuck trivia: His favorite color was green and some of his catch phrases were: “Tsk, Tsk”, “Get my point?” and “Yeah, right.” He loved hot lettuce, Wood’s hot dogs, sour kraut and wieners over mashed potatoes and lima beans in hot milk over bread. Some of these favorites were passed down and some were not; ie: the lima beans with hot milk over bread.

Finally, the most important thing about Dad was that he entrusted his life to Jesus Christ and his faith deepened over the last few years. Even though death takes the young as well as the old, when the years left to live are much fewer than the years already lived, the brevity of life and what lies beyond it, demands focus. Dad read his Bible every day and recognized the importance to know the truth within its pages. During the past several months, we would have interesting “God talks” and the most recent one, which took place about a week or so before his stroke, revolved around the recent movie, “I Can Only Imagine.” I was sharing with him how the movie was based on the songwriter’s life story. I began to share some of the lyrics with Dad and Mom and in doing so, got choked up and began to cry, thinking about the reality of standing in the presence of Jesus, who loved us so much and thought we were worth it to the point of suffering a horrible, tortuous death to save us. Through my tears, I said to Dad: “Can you imagine, Dad? What it is actually going to like, to be face to face with Jesus?”, never guessing that in such a short time, he would experience just that. My Dad is greatly missed and the emptiness within my mind and heart will never be filled, but I am so grateful that because of Jesus, I will see him again someday.

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. I was saddened to hear of his passing. I hope the love and support of family and friends will allow you to share favorite memories together as you mourn his passing.

Many fond memories from our growing-up years. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this difficult time. I always remember how Ernie (Mr. Stuck) had such a sense of humor!

Sincerely, Alex & Kelly Crouch

Romans 8:35-39 include verses sent to me from our dear friends, Tom and Ann Blackstone. They were included in a daily devotional they read on April 9th, the day of dad’s passing. These verses were refreshed for me today as they were in my daily Bible reading. Here they are for your comfort and assurance:

35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?

36 As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.

37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.

39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rejoice, all in Christ will see Ernest once again.

I am very sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Going through old family photos and found a picture dad took from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Loved his perspective. I was on the BRP last year and took the same shot. What a coincidence. I'll add the photos to this site.

Thinking of and praying for you and wishing you moments of peace, comfort and wonderful memories as you remember your dad.

SherriO

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my daily thoughts and prayers. May God bless and keep you during this very trying time.