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Father’s Day thoughts from my brothers

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Illinois

Three of my four brothers posted something about our dad here at the blog on Friday. They summed him up pretty well.

Let’s start with the youngest first. Devin…

Besides keeping 5 of his sons in line, the man worked up to 3 jobs at a time to keep his family fed and in a decent home.

Strong German work ethic, loving and self-educated who knows as much about American political history as many professors do.

Doug…

When growing up I felt my dad was too much of a hard a$$. He raised 5 boys, 4 of them were teenagers at one time, and now having raised 3, with one still at home, I understand where his dictatorship mentality came from.

He was one of the hardest working men I have ever known. He was and is the energizer bunny, always full of energy. There was always a project to be done, and idle time was few and far between.

My father has also turned into being the greatest grandfather on earth, a trait he learned from his father in law. He calls my little one when her mother is out of town just to keep her company, will drive nearly 1000 miles to babysit when the need arises and always sings the loudest at birthday parties, even though he can’t sing a lick.

He is also a great advisor, and although the 5 sons don’t always follow his advice, it usually is spot on.

And last but not least, my father has been a husband to my mother for nearly a half a century. While he grew into the role as he matured, he is now the greatest protector and cheerleader for our mother who in my book is a saint.

Denny Ray…

In our house there was always great music - “The Sun Sessions” by Elvis, Willie Nelson’s “Red Headed Stranger”, my Dad’s incredible collection of 1950’s 45 RPM records, and of course - the Rocking Rolling Stones!

My Dad loves his music and he loves it LOUD!

There’s a funny story about a hidden portable record player, a factory intercom system, and a bunch of people running around wondering why “It’s Your Thing” by The Isley Brothers is playing over and over on the public address loudspeakers throughout the entire factory! But we won’t get into that -

My Mom and Dad had 5 sons - and we could go through some groceries! So they worked - and they worked hard.

I remember my Dad working two full time jobs at the same time - he had one Sunday off a month.

But he always had time to throw around a baseball or football, and he always seemed to have plenty of time to give long, involved lectures!

Politics and history were his fields of expertise. I think I was the only person in elementary school who knew the name “Estes Kefauver”!

My Dad could have been a great history professor - but during some of those ‘longer’ lectures - man - I was wishing he had three jobs!

Muhammad Ali was a big hero in our house - his fights were always big events. “Cool Hand Luke”, “Patton”, any John Wayne movie - we watched and we learned.

I’m still watching and still learning - thanks Dad for all the hard work, the knowledge, and most of all - the loud Rock and Roll!