Monday (Oct 21) @ Charleston +  6:00 PM--Visitation +  7:00 PM--Funeral Friday (Oct 25) @ WVU +  12:00 N--Tolling Bell @ Oglebay Plaza +  7:00 PM--Requien Mass @ Chapel +  8:15 PM--Fellowship @ Chapel +  9:00 PM--Compline @ Chapel

It is with great sadness that I share with you the untimely death of one of our own, Joseph Vaughan Suppa, on October 18, 2002.

Vaughan recently began his studies at WVU, taking summer courses, following active service in the US military.  Many of you will remember Vaughan as a camper and counselor at Camp Luther, the synodical church camp of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod, ELCA.

Vaughan was regular at Sunday evening mass throughout Summer II and early Fall 2002.  He would bring Ronnie as his guest.  Ronnie is a resident of the adult care home where Vaughan worked.  I was always moved by the sight of Vaughan helping Ronnie up the steps, through the doors, and across the narthex of the chapel.  There, in the back of the sanctuary, Vaughan would set aside two chairs, one for himself and one for his charge.  Love of God and love for his fellow man where thus manifested in one act of compassion.

Vaughan's funeral will be conducted at Trinity Lutheran Church, Charleston, WV, on Monday, October 21, 2002, at 7:00 PM.  The family will receive guests at 6:00 PM at the church.  Memorials should be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Charleston, WV.

We will conduct our own memorial service Friday night at 7:00 PM in the Chapel of Christ the King (Lutheran Campus Chapel) which is located across the street from the Wise Library.  Following the mass, there will be a time for fellowship and refreshment in the Chapel Undercroft.  Compline will close the formal evening at 9:00 PM.

In addition, the Tolling of the Bell will take place at Oglebay Plaza at 12:00 N.  Those who wish may walk with the chaplain to the Plaza, leaving from the Chapel at 11:45 AM.

Vaughan and all those who mourn his passing were remembered in the requiem prayers at our Sunday evening mass.

Finally,

Into your hands, O Merciful Savior,
   we commend your servant, Vaughan.
Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you,
   a sheep of your own fold,
   a lamb of your own flock,
   a sinner of your own redeeming.
Receive him into the arms of your mercy,
   into the blessed rest of everlasting peace,
   and into the glorious company of the saints in light.

Rest eternal grant him, O Lord,
   and let light perpetual shine upon him.