Old Friend Lyman Eulogized

By Skip Bayless

Originally published

September 29th 1978

“Has anybody here seen my old friend Lyman? Can you tell me where he’s gone? I thought I saw him waking over the hill, with Abraham and Martin and John.”

As soloist Chester Prescott finished his emotional paraphrase of “Is There Anybody Here,” which eulogizes the deaths of Lincoln, King, and Kennedy, many in the congregation began to weep for their old friend Lyman.

Some 800 has squeezed into Vermont Square Methodist Church in South Los Angeles Thursday morning to pay a funeral tribute to Lyman Wesley Bostock Jr, who will be remembered in this community as yet another leader of importance who met a tragic death. The Angels outfielder was killed Saturday night in Gary, Ind, a victim of a shotgun blast allegedly meant for another.

There were family and friends who will remember him as a full of life young man of 27, who never forgot his roots and who set an inspirational example for underprivileged youths. There were Angel teammates who will remember him for his attitude, perseverance, and superior talent.

Angel chaplain John Werhaus dealt with the question why? Why was a young man so undeserving of death gunned down? “Humanly speaking, there is no answer,” Werhaus said.” Then he referred to the book of John. “Jesus told Martha, I am the resurrection and I am the life. He who believes in me shall live even though he dies.” Then he asked her if she believed this, and she answered like Lyman Bostock would have: “Yes Lord, I believe that you are the Christ and the Messiah.”

Werhaus concluded “I hope we all get to see Lyman’s smiling face. He not only lives in our hearts and minds, but he lives in heaven with our Lord and Savior.

The official eulogy was delivered by Rev. John Bain 75, Bostock’s pastor for 14 years. Bain, who said later, that he doesn’t like somber funerals, spoke glowingly of Bostock’s development. “Don’t get lost dreaming about two-million dollar contracts,” Bain said, referring to the deal Bostock, a free agent signed last off season with the Angels. “That was just icing on the cake which, had already been baked. The ingredients were there.”

Those ingredients, Bain said, voice rising, were deep religious conviction taught in the home, the discipline and guidance Bostock received in the public school, and Bostock’s desire to be somebody.” As Bain spoke, members of Bostock’s family occasionally said “Amen” or “That’s right.”

Bostock’s mother Annie, in a purple dress, and wife Yuovonne, in a white dress, were escorted to the beat of “Onward Christian Soldiers.” They were followed by Lyman Bostock Sr. Bostock’s four brothers, nine uncles, six aunts, and many other relatives, who jammed the right side of the sanctuary.

Yuovonne Bostock showed little emotion as she sat through a service designed especially for her husband. The organ prelude was “Send in the Clowns,” chosen because of Bostock’s light hearted outlook. John Robertson, the Angels National Anthem singer, sang the Lord’s Prayer.

Nearly every major league team sent flowers. General Manager Buzzie Bavasi, and manager Jim Fregosi, headed the entire Angel squad. Owner Gene Autry didn’t attend because of his personal beliefs about funerals, a team spokesman said.

As cameraman jockeyed for position on the sanctuary steps, the family filled five gray limousines at the head of the procession. Policeman stopped traffic at every light on the drive to the cemetery, about five miles.

As Annie Bostock was led away from the grave, she said over and over, “He was my son.” “Yes” family and friends kept repeating “he was your son.”