Born in Wilhelmina
Inside Fieser’s General store.
Above the old Post Office,
In a room on the second floor.
From an early age he learned
The true value of his labor
To advance his family
As well as that his neighbor.
Bob signed on with the Navy
SeaBees Adventure is terrific,
Dug oil wells in Point Barrow &
Air strips on Kwaj in the Pacific
Bob and his friend Hershel
Followed the harvest of wheat,
That was before they put a cab
Over the combine seat.
Electrician/Mechanic
By barge and truck deliver’d oil
But he was called by God
To till Wilhelmina soil.
He met and married Pat,
Y’don’t think of your folks romancing
But they had their share of fun,
Lots of old-time square dancing.
Suspenders kept his pants up,
He stayed faithful by Pat’s side.
Political opinions though,
He spread them far and wide.
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Lincoln started that war,
FDR closed every bank.
For the good economy
We had Ron Reagon to thank.
Four of us kids survived
We were all important to him,
Including the last one he
Named “Stev, Kar, Dan, uh JIM!”
He fixed old cars & trucks,
Until they were sagging.
Put 3 different motors in
The red Ford station wagon.
He shared his experience
About every repair in sight,
Plumbing and electrical,
He was gonna fix it up right.
He liked his country music,
Ray Stevens’ comedic bits,
Larry’s Country Diner and
Dolly Parton’s hits. (like hit records)
He took care of Pat
Through a variety of ills,
Right to the end he dispensed
Each of his own eighteen pills.
By 91 his peers
Were mostly all departed
But he still drove the Cruiser
If he could get it started.
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Who knew this hidden talent, Jim! Although we discussed your father’s care needs, I feel like I know him much better through his lifespan after reading your poem. Growing up rural myself, I can almost picture him doing some of things you describe. What a lovely tribute to cherish for generations to come!