"People. Never forget; you are hauling PC."

Earlier in the spring, the community of Gradyville had already found itself sadly attending the funeral of local store owner Jan Moss Coomer's husband, J.T.

He had held the demanding job of transportation director at the local high school for many years. It was natural to see his peers and coworkers transported from school to his funeral by bus, and to see the bus parked in front of the funeral home during his service.

A most remembered quote of his was, "People: never forget, you are hauling PC," (precious cargo). He was devoted to keeping that precious cargo safe as our children were transported to school and home again every day. His wife and two children, and his community, desperately miss his presence.

The officiating clergy, Rev. Richard Lehman, Rev. John Blakey and Rev. Terry Sullivan, each gave moving tributes, every comment about JT's life of service and goodness to his fellow man. Thoughts of those of us filling the many chairs behind his grieving family were focused on J.T. Coomer without interruption as we remembered this son, husband, father, grandfather, boss, farmer, church leader, accountant, coworker friend, and mentor.