It’s been a week since I attended the funeral of Claude Trexler. It seems a little odd typing Claude Trexler, as I have known him as My Papaw for the last 37 years. I will miss My Papaw, as I have fond memories of which he is a part of. Fishing in his pond, sitting in his living room for visits, the cookie jar on the shelf by his table, the slop bucket, my first solo riding lawn mower experience, the tricycles, the canned vegtables in his basement, the car ramp, his gardens, shooting guns with him and my dad,Christmas time, lots of Cheerwine, my last visit and the list goes on. One of my more special moments with papaw is the day I took my son Ethan, along with my dad to meet him. I learned something about family and names and legacies and pride that day. I am thankful that I have these memories.
As I sat at his funeral, many thoughts and emotions went through my head. But I have to tell you, it was the minister conducting the funeral that day that caught my attention. You see that minister was my dad. As a fulfillment of papwa’s request, my dad preached his dad’s funeral. It was one of the sweetest, strongest and courageous things I have ever seen. I watched my papaw’s three daughters gain strength from their brother. I saw what real leadership is about. It has dawned on my since that day that maybe the greatest gift my papaw ever gave to me was my dad. Thanks papaw and I’ll miss you!
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