Tooke's wit brought down the house

To the editor:

Howard Tooke was least likely to be mayor. He was quiet and reserved.

While we were enjoying Frances' take-your-breath-away shrimp sauce, he and Dad would be in the corner conversing for hours. Separated by partisan labels, they were alike in thought and philosophy.

Howard was a great after-dinner speaker. His dry wit would bring down the house with a simple four-minute welcome to Cape Girardeau.

His uncanny ability to sing all the old country songs on WSM while dropping us off at the movies on a Saturday night was classic. The more we complained, the louder he sang.

He was country when country wasn't cool.

The trips to Taum Sauk, Sam A. Baker, the baseball games and the weekends at Kentucky Lake were memorable. Throw in the Cargles, Kinders and Mahans and a good time was had by all.

JERRY FORD, Cape Girardeau