Dad at his favorite place on Dusty’s lanai. It’s one of my last pictures of him. Man do I miss him esp with his bday  just a few days ago.  He was such a good Dad and we are so lucky to have had him. Love and Miss him always. Until we meet again in heaven I will carry him in my heart.  ♥️ 

Being a father is not an easy task. Trying to set the example and teach your children the lessons that they will need when they themselves become adults all while you yourself are struggling with your own problems and demons is not an easy task. My father was able to overcome his personal struggles (losing his mother at a very young age, poverty, alcoholism, losing the amazing love of his life just to name a few) all while raising 4 (then adding several more) children. He was an incredible role model. He taught me what struggling looks like along with how to be brave and to rise above and then conquer all that is placed before you. He taught me how to love and laugh through it all. I couldn’t imagine a better father. He told me that he loved me every time I talked to him including the very last time I talked with him. I am so very proud to be raised by such a wonderful man. It was a gift from gift from GOD to me and all of my siblings. His legacy will absolutely continue to live on with myself, my siblings, all of our children, and our children’s children. I know that he was as proud of us as we are of him. He is now with all of his loved ones that passed before him and I am very happy about that. I am also certain that the story does not end here. I love you dad. 

Such a genuinely great man he will be missed by many but never forgotten by anyone who was blessed to know him. 

My favorite memories far too many..but lately I’ve been thinking about the times we spend with him and my grandma in Kentucky. Him chasing us around their house with his teeth out. Him taking us down to the barns to help with the horses. He taught us what hard work looked like—and was a love for life and others should look like.  I’m really going to miss him. 

Dollar dance!

Eldora, Peoria Speedway, NASCAR races, listening to all the stories he had to share, the criticizing of golfers on the course behind his everyday view, watching the St. Louis Cardinals baseball games, listening to him sing...inserting his own words, wrestling with his children and grand children.