MEMORIAL ROCKER by Guest Blogger

Prisoner 321654* was born in Abilene, Texas.  In his early twenties, he caught his new wife in a situation and committed a heinous crime.  He was sentenced to fifty years to life in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Incarceration Division.  When Prisoner 321654 was thirty years old, he was saved and dedicated his life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prisoner 321654 made his station in life to exemplify Christian behavior.  He worked tirelessly to comfort fellow inmates who were in crisis.  His work without a doubt saved many men from themselves.  He could always be found in the chapel if anyone needed a shoulder to lean on.  He never fell victim to the temptations of prison life, drugs, alcohol, sex, gangs.  He credited his Christian Faith as the foundation for never giving up despite the constant pressures of prison life.

In June of 2018, Prisoner 321654 had minor surgery and succumbed to a blood clot and went to be with his Lord.  He was within sight of his parole.  His family did not acknowledge his passing and did not want his body.  His possessions consisted of many books and notes.  He had received his bachelors, masters, and theology degrees online.   These all went to the State of Texas for disposal.  He was buried in a state prisoner’s cemetery under a simple wooden cross with his prison identification number on it.  He was sixty-three years old.  He spent thirty years behind bars working tirelessly for the Lord.

The construction class at the Price Daniel Unit, where he worked as a teacher aid, made the rocker as a way of celebrating his life and faith.

After learning of a benevolent cause raising money through an auction, the class voted to donate the rocker in memory of Prisoner #321654.  They knew this was something he would want.

The high bid for the rocker was $1100.

Kevin Standifer

Class Instructor

*not his real number