They say that they come in threes, funerals that is. I am not sure who “they” is. Neither can I confirm the truthfulness of the statement. I suppose it depends when you start counting. Almost a self-fulfilling prophecy it seems.
What I do know is that First Baptist in Laurel, Montana has suffered the loss of three prince servants of the Saviour this year, already. The first was Brother Greg Trout, missionary to Ireland. Though his service the Emerald Isle was short, we trust his influence continues to touch those he was reaching out to. The second was Dr. Wayne Musson, retired pastor. Dr. Musson had preached the Gospel for over 50 years. While some may remember him as a war-horse of a previous era, my memory is a bit different. I remember a man who loved his savior, the Word, and to preach. His last official sermon was to the Christian school kids of First Baptist Academy. Even singing them his “Grumbler” song. An old war-horse? Perhaps. But more importantly a man who still desired to be used in the service of the Saviour.
Lastly, and most recently was the promotion of dear saint; Mrs. Judy Cherry. When health permitted she could be found always serving the Lord. Whether that was as a Sunday School teacher, assisting her husband, or washing dishes in the church kitchen, hers was an attitude and action worth emulating. In fact each of these servants left a legacy to be followed.
We know that the Lord’s servants are precious to Him.
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Are we living our lives in such a way that faithfulness is modeled for those we leave behind? Are we living in a way that others are spurred to serve? Or, in a way that causes them to spurn the service of Christ? Are we living for now or later?
In His Service 
With believers, our losses are heaven’s gains, but it doesn’t lessen the sense of loss here. We are still human. So, we must keep our eyes on Him. We do know that those we lose are now rejoicing in His presence.
I am enjoying seeing your posts here.
These lovely people are missed on earth but rejoicing with Jesus now.
I don’t know about the “threes” either.l What I do know is that I have never been able to forget one soul I have known that has passed on. I even remember a boy, a bus kid, who passed away while we were at Tennessee Temple in the 1970s. Some of his last words were, “I gotta home in glory land.” Dr. Lee Roberson used to tell us to never forget those who have gone on before us. I never have. Each and every one was precious. Each and every one had a unique testimony for the Lord.
I suppose the importance of a person can be measure in the legacy left behind.