By Diane Lowrey
If you live in Trenton, chances are you had your mail delivered by John Surber.
He delivered several routes throughout the community over the years and, most recently, was the mailman for businesses and homes along Ninth Street. No matter the weather – warm or cold, rain or dry – it wasn’t unusual to be driving along Ninth Street and see John walking along his route and visiting those for whom he had a delivery (or not).
John passed away over the weekend. He wasn’t ill, at least not that anyone knew. He simply went to sleep on Saturday night and didn’t wake up.
I happened to see John on Saturday afternoon, walking his route near Eastgate Shopping Center. I honked and he waved, something both of us have done with each other many times over the years. I never imagined that would be the last time I would see him. After all, we still had Friday’s Missouri football game to talk about and what chances the Tigers might have to win the SEC title over Alabama. And we certainly hadn’t even begun putting our list together for the annual NCAA Tournament event we both participated in each March.
He and I had many a conversations about many topics, most of them having to do with sports and television. If you wanted to know some obscure fact about anything, you always went to John. I would call him the king of useless information, telling him countless times that he needed to be on “Jeopardy.” He would just laugh and say he didn’t know a darn thing about opera.
I know there are many stories similar to mine that can be told by many different people. John was such a nice guy and everyone liked him. It was as simple as that. And I am very happy to call him my friend.
Driving down Ninth Street just won’t be the same anymore. But when I do, I’ll honk my horn near the shopping center and know that John is still waving at me.
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I love music, especially during Christmas time. And this week I will be in Christmas music heaven with several activities in which holiday music will be presented by talented individuals and groups from our community.
Beginning on Friday night with the Downtown Christmas program and ending on Sunday with the annual Trenton Vesper Service, residents will certainly have a chance to hear their particular favorite, sure to get you in the mood for the holidays.
Two of the events will be concerts, both of which are free and open to the public. At 3 p.m. on Saturday, members of the Grand River Valley Choir and Orchestra will present a holiday concert at the First Baptist Church. With George Brundage as the director, the program will certainly be a wonderful listening experience.
The second concert will be presented on Sunday afternoon by the Trenton High School Vocal Music Department. The annual vesper service will be at 4:30 p.m., also at the Baptist Church. Members of Gold Rush, the Women’s Choir and the Trenton Middle School Choir will perform under the direction of Tyler Busick. A tradition of the service is the end of the program in which candles are lit by the singers and held while the final Christmas song is performed. It’s a very special time and emphasizes the true reason for the Christmas season. Very awe inspiring.
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And speaking of Christmas music, the Trenton Brass will once again be providing its musical Christmas card community service project next week. On Tuesday, Dec. 9 and Wednesday, Dec. 10, Trenton Brass members will be “delivering” their cards in Trenton, playing several musical selections to individuals who have had a card reserved for them. If you know someone, such as a shut-in or elderly individual who you think might enjoy such a holiday treat, persons can contact Buddy Hannaford at 359-2762 to get on the performance list. There is no cost and it provides a wonderful holiday memory to those on the receiving end of this special gift.
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