Good Lord needed Aylor up in heaven

Letter to the editor
Published: July 10, 2008

Editor:

Thirteen job openings are now available for plumber-electrician-carpenter-gardener in the beautiful Etlan valley. That’s how many it will take to fill the void we now have since the passing of Thomas Aylor! Apparently the Good Lord is needing special help to keep up with his “Many Mansions” because He has called Thomas to the job!

All of us here in the community and beyond were sad to hear of the passing of Thomas Aylor last week; and we all have stories of how Thomas has helped us out with a water problem, or an electrical hook-up or a carpentry project. And more than a few of these jobs were completed (and started) past midnight.
Oh do we envy and admire the energy and “Get-Er-Done” attitude of Thomas — many times I have run out of steam towards the evening; but not yet complete with my goal for the day. So I motivated myself to finish the job by thinking, “Thomas would not stop here, let’s turn on the lights and finish it up!” He has certainly been my mentor in many ways.

Mother Teresa had nothing on Thomas. He is on a very short list of a vanishing character.  Thomas was not driven by the almighty dollar, but with a genuine desire to serve his neighbors; basic humble Christian service – (Paul Coates, Harry Jones and Hugh Coates, may I also compliment you to my short list of extraordinary civic servants.)

Thomas, you have often been underpaid, but as the pastor suggested, your credits have accrued in heavenly places and your work has not gone un-noticed.
Madison County has its blessings and certainly the extended Aylor family is one of them. Thomas would be proud of how everyone (in typical Aylor fashion) stepped in with the tent, and the food and the logistics. We all enjoyed the fellowship, the beautiful day and the “Thomas” stories. He didn’t quite make it to the 2008 Fourth of July celebrations, but I will always attach this Independence weekend to the memory of Thomas Aylor!

Albert W. Yowell
Etlan