I was awakened by a text message this morning from my Uncle Don, letting me know that his namesake passed away around 10am this morning. He sent it in a text message because my grandparents tried calling to let me know, but I didn’t answer. I was asleep.

The news has been fairly expected because I knew his cancer was terminal, however, it was still quite jarring. I knew it was going to happen, but I didn’t really believe it was going to; I guess I expected a miracle or something. The disbelief and denial were momentary and then the tears started flowing along with fond memories of one of my favorite great uncles.

He was a funny, loving, outdoorsy family man who was proud to be called a redneck. Some of my fondest childhood memories include him and his farm. He was the world’s greatest catfish cook and a great family man. I have been told he had a dark side, but I never see it.  He always made me laugh, even when I was terrified of his killer goose.

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