DEAR DeWAYNE

by Colleen Elayne Parent Crawford

Brother DeWayne was loved by us all,
He was a kind, playful living doll.
He saw the humor of a situation,
When the rest felt only agitation!

He learned much from all his trials,
And managed to laugh and even smile!
Ay age thirteen his teeth were replaced,
Yet no tears or anger showed on his face!

Valoie caused him to blush in school,
" I don't know her!" was his rule.
But if truth be known, as it will,

His love for her was very real.

DeWayne served a mission in the South,
With their good food he filled his mouth.
He came home weighing two hundred plus,
It just meant more to hug to the rest of us.

Then he went to Boot Camp for the Marines.
I think those places are worse than they seem!
He lost seventy pounds in a few short weeks,
"Where's my son?" his Mother was heard to shriek!!

DeWayne was very skilled in carpentry.
He helped build the home for our family.
He worked on the Crescent City Ward Chapel, too,
When the promised volunteers were very few!!

He turned listening into a fine art,
Many a friend to him revealed their heart.
He was never known to break confidence,
While maintaining an aura of innocence!

DeWayne always loved playing games.
And I must admit, I am the same!
We shared many hours of friendly communication,
Especially while planning strategy for "Aggravation.”

He was resting and having some fun,
When he met Miss Patsy Robertson.
She was the proverbial Southern belle,
One look at her and in love he fell!!

DeWayne had a comrade whose name was Jim,
He had many legendary exploits with him!
To help a friend they would go to lengths,
Even when they sometimes lacked the strength.

Things would happen with no explanation,
Dark things, requiring an investigation!
I was often shocked by what DeWayne knew,
But found his tales were always true.

He was brave and valiant to the last,
And his faith in the Lord was steadfast.
He knew Dad and Reed would be there
To greet him as one of the Elite and most fair!!!