A Grandfather You Never Knew

 

Today, December 13, 2022, marks the 105th birthday of my Dad, Clyde Ferguson Coppock.  For David, Kim, Suzie, and Bill, he is the grandfather you never had the pleasure to know.  He would have been so proud of all of you, including his great-grandchildren.  Jan and I were lucky to have him as a father and a confidant during our youth and teenage years.  Unfortunately, he wasn't able to see us as adults.  He died of kidney failure on March 1, 1965, at the age of 47.

Dad loved football and fishing.  His happiest moments, I think, were the summers we spent at Battle Lake, where he could relax, fish, swim, and not have to deal with business matters at Coppock Motors, Inc.  He and Mother were wonderful parents, encouraging us and supporting us in everything we did.  

He was an active member of First Baptist, serving as a long-time Deacon, singing in the choir and as a soloist at times, and participating in several church activities.  Dad had an outgoing personality and was friends with pretty much everyone he knew.  He was also an enthusiastic supporter of Le Mars High School athletics (he was a starting halfback for 2 years), and he and Mother served as Co-Presidents of the LCHS band parents.    

Unfortunately, he had health issues dating back to childhood, which no doubt ultimately led to an early death.  He had one eye, having suffered a farm accident at 13 years old.  Scarlet fever weakened his body, and as an adult, he constantly fought stomach ailments, including ulcers.  He served in the Army as a meat cutter, but was given a medical discharge after suffering 2 heart attacks while cutting meat. But no one would ever guess, except for close family.  

So, today I'd just like to honor him with this short blog.  Thank you for joining me in this tribute.

DAC    12/13/22