Even after his death, Louis E. Ingelhart's voice filled Hazelwood Christian Church on Thursday. Recordings of two poems, written and read by Ingelhart, were played at his funeral service.
Among a crowd of more than 100 people, tears of remembrance fell and echoes of laughter filled the room from mourners who knew him best.
Ingelhart, professor emeritus of the Department of Journalism, died Sunday at Ball Memorial Hospital. He was a First Amendment guardian and created Ball State University's Department of Journalism. After making significant contributions to student media and the department, Ingelhart retired in 1983. He continued to work with local, state and national organizations to improve student journalists and protect First Amendment rights.
Ingelhart planned much of the funeral service before his death, including the hymns and scripture readings. During the service, seven eulogists spoke, including former colleagues and students.
Mark Popovich, eulogist and professor of journalism, could not attend the services but wrote, "I'm grateful that I knew a man who was larger than life - one who put a finger on me and left an indelible print."
Eulogist George Swafford read all 45 words of the First Amendment as a tribute to Ingelhart's devotion to freedom of expression.
Marilyn Weaver, eulogist and Department of Journalism chairwoman, said the eulogists showed several sides of Ingelhart.
"It was impressive to hear everyone's tributes to him," she said. "It wasn't just one person's view of a man. It was several."
James Ingelhart, Louis Ingelhart's son, said the eulogists had their own stories to share, giving a overall view of his father.
The eulogies affected him significantly, James Ingelhart said.
"Some of the tears I had were actually tears of joy," he said. "It was a complete range of emotions."
Shadows of EternityI do not know when the shadowsof eternity will be seen in my aging face.I do not know that I will not fear those shadows as they cross the line at the end of my race.Instead, I shall greet them because I know my eternity is safely held in your hearts,and you hold each other's eternity in those hearts.Your journeys together along with mine,have defined our eternities with everlastinglove and affection and kindness.They have been the greatest gifts of human blessedness.I will take those gifts and you will take them, too,to our eternities that will last and last forever,forever,forever more.When the shadows darken and I sense my journey end, then I will greet eternity as a kind and loving friend.Welcome eternity.Welcome eternity.Eternity, welcome.
Louis E. Ingelhartfrom "The Ax and the Green Angel"
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