As we think back over the past year, one of its sad highlights has to be the fact that so many noble soldiers of the cross have laid their fleshly armor down in death.  All of us know those worthy saints who have left us recently, whose names may not be widely known, but are surely written in heavenly chronicles (Heb. 12:23).  We know the wives of great and godly men who have preceded their husbands in death.  Many homes will feel these losses for years to come.  The Lord’s church will feel these losses as well.
     Of course the beginning of the year 2000 brought us news of the deaths of two great gospel preachers, Bobby Duncan, age 65, and, Thomas F. Eaves, Sr., age 68, both of whom passed away in December 1999.  The Gospel Advocate carried notice of their deaths in the January and April issues respectively.  Brother Duncan was known for his strong and plain preaching, as well as his editorial work with Words of Truth and Vigil.  Brother Eaves is remembered for his work in training gospel preachers.  In July of last year we were saddened to learn of the passing of Jule Miller, age 75, who was known to all by the film strip/video Bible studies which bore his name.  Only the Lord knows how many people have been converted to Christ through the use of these Bible study tools over the years.  On September 28, 2000 V. E. Howard departed this life the day before his 89th birthday.  Who among us has not benefited from his many years of radio preaching, and his familiar refrain, “Are you listening?”  Added to that preaching legacy are his many books, tracts and songs that have instructed and edified countless souls over the years.  Brother Howard was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Ruth Howard, on January 31, 2000.  Brother Thomas B. Warren left this earthly scene on August 8, 2000 at the age of 80.  Warren served as a minister, editor, debater, author and educator for over fifty years.  In addition to his many books, Thomas B. Warren was the founding editor of The Spiritual Sword in 1958, and later served as its editor from 1969-1989.  I personally have benefited from his debates with atheists Antony G. N. Flew and Wallace I. Matson, and his work with The Spiritual Sword.  Homer Hailey passed away on November 9, 2000 at the age of 97.  Although brother Hailey was one of the big names among the anti-cooperation brethren, I have profited immensely from his Biblical commentaries over the years.  Lastly, the Lord’s church on earth lost a great and good man in Roy J. Hearn when he died at the age of 89 on November 25, 2000.  He was director of the Memphis School of Preaching from 1966 until he retired in 1983.  He and the late Franklin Camp founded the journal First Century Christian in 1967, and edited it together until it folded in 1973.  When the paper resumed in 1989 brother Hearn continued as its editor until he announced his retirement in January 1995.    We were pleased to have run the article “The Ministry of Women” by brother Hearn on the front page of Gospel Gleaner for the third quarter of 2000.  All of these great men, being dead, yet speak through their labors.