Remembering Tony Bone

Today at Manna House we had a memorial service for our faithful guest Tony Bone.  Tony was killed last Friday, on Good Friday.  So today, at 11:00a.m., we stopped our usual work at Manna House to pray and to remember Tony with our guests. 

The service had begun with Kirk playing “How Great Thou Art” on his saxophone.  Patsy had been insistent that this be the opening song.  In this song there is the powerful love of God known in the creation, and in the cross of Christ, and because of that love, “When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation to take me home what joy shall fill my heart.”  Our prayer was for Tony to have that joy now.

“Gracious God listen to our cry that comes from Claybrook and Jefferson.  We are in mourning; we grieve over the death of Tony. … Take Tony to your side, give him an everlasting home.  Do not remember his sins or his failures.  But in your mercy and love, welcome him, and offer him the hospitality of your presence.  We praise you for the wonder of our life and the gift Tony was in our lives.  We thank you for the faith that proclaims love is stronger than hate and life is stronger than death.  Give us the strength to continue to love as you love, and to welcome others as you welcome us.  Amen.”

Everyone present was invited to remember Tony and how he was a blessing to this neighborhood, to Manna House, and in their own lives.  Patsy recalled that Tony made sure that she was walked safely home at night. 

Moses said that every morning at Manna House, Tony and George A. would get in an argument, half serious and half joking, but always entertaining.  “I’ll miss that” said Moses. 

Mayo shared that Tony always asked him, “What you doing on these streets white man?”  Mayo thought that was a good question. 

Twin spoke of how Tony was kind of rough and tough, and could be quite intimidating.  “Tony never backed down from anyone; he was defiant.  This meant he stood by his friends.”  Another guest said, “He could be mean and he could get angry easily, but that was just Tony and I miss him.” 

Kenny wanted to be clear that Tony wasn’t perfect, that he and Tony got into various forms of business, and Tony was a powerful presence, and he’s sorry Tony’s gone.

David told us about Tony’s steadiness, and he said he didn’t want to focus on the bad stuff Tony did, even though that was part of Tony. Tony was more than the bad stuff. 

Frank remembered that he and Tony spent a long time together in prison.  Tony had his back.

I don’t think I’ve ever been to a more honest memorial service and in the midst of the honesty the love for Tony was palpable.  Guests had waited around for the service and they were eager to share how Tony had been a blessing in their lives, without being sentimental or glossing over Tony’s faults and failures.  I couldn’t help but think about the love God has for Tony and for each one of us, a love that is larger than our sins, our wrongdoing, our stumbles, and how that love was reflected in Tony’s friends today who spoke about him. 

After our shared remembrances of Tony we prayed Psalm 113 together, “You raise the poor from their lowliness; you life the oppressed from the depths.  You give dignity to their lives, a place of honor with all the faithful.” 

Then Kirk played “Jesus Loves Me” which was another request from Patsy.

“Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.

Jesus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way.”

When all was said and done, Kirk played “When the Saints Going Marching In.”  We are going to miss Tony.