John Wayne’s Biggest Fan
Monday, February 16th, 2009When I was growing up, there was one smiling face in our high school halls and classes that had many of us smiling and learning the meaning of the word “respect.”
His name was Robert Baker. But everyone called him “Coach.”
He was a Marine, a husband, a father, and the biggest John Wayne fan I ever knew.
He had the biggest smile and the loudest voice. His determination to bring out the very best in people was almost infectious. He made guys tuck in their shirts and tighten their belts!
He was tough as nails on the football field and even tougher in his exams. But you learned something from every experience with him.
His love for God shined through as well. He didn’t have to beat you over the head with it; it was the way he carried himself, the way he talked about how much he loved his family. In many ways, he didn’t shout his faith; he simply lived it.
So, if you will indulge me just this once, I would like to say Coach will be missed by many of us, but Heaven’s got a great new resident!