Dad Larry Genes Letter

This note is from Larry Gene Neuschafer. He is Charlie’s oldest grandchild.
Thanks for the memories Larry.

The first thing that I can always remember about grandpa is being out at the John Deere and he would always get us a pop or candy bar out of the old candy bar machine. Chuck and I would always go out with him in the country to check wells and go ride the combine with him. Of course, when we were with him while riding in the pickup, he was the only man I know that could open the door and spit his tobacco juice out while driving down the highway at 70 mph and still stay in his lane. I don’t think he hit his pickup with the juice very often either. One other thing that sticks out in my mind is how when he had something that had to be done, he would always get in a big hurry. Sometimes he wouldn’t even turn around on the farm road; he just would stick the truck in reverse and go about 20 mph. He did not have enough time to turn around.

I also remember how he always liked to entertain, whether it be family or friends of his and grandma’s. He always had a good time. When we would be swimming at the pool, he would always come out and see us and talk to our friends. He and grandma did not miss many of my sporting events through Jr. High and High School. Looking back, he and grandma attended programs and games of the grandkids for probably 20 years straight.

He always was teaching me how to be a man while I was younger. How to wave at everyone, even if you don’t know them, make sure you always look for trains even when there are crossing guards, etc. Of course, while I was going to college and farming with him on the farm, he always had such a positive outlook, even when the farm was struggling. He always stressed to me to make the most out of what I have, because time just goes faster and faster all the time. Boy, he was really right on that one, even though I did not believe it at the time.

Grandpa really loved my wife Charlotte and our kids. While he was still farming and Charlotte ran a daycare out at the house at the farm, he would almost always stop by and see the kids (with candy of course). Charlotte said that he would be out checking wells and drive out by the house going to the pivots, and the kids would think that he forgot about them. Then here he would be coming back and stop at the house to see them.