In Memory Of:
"Stumpe"
Stumpe was honored with a 21 gun salute at Highland, IL. The plaque, given to Miss Dollar Betty, holds the shells.
Stumpe was a cowboy through and through. He was a member of the Arnold Rifle & Pistol Club in Arnold, Missouri and worked the matches even when he didn't shoot. He shot with his son, Lefty.
Stumpe was always cheerful and optimistic and will truly be missed by everyone who knew him.
l. to r. - Miss Dollar Betty, Stumpe
My Friends,
On January 4th I received a phone call that I knew that I would be getting,
but wasn't quite prepared for.
A friend had passed away; his name was Harry (Chuck) Cline.
He had lost
the battle with cancer that had torn at him for over a year. He put up a
valiant fight but lost the battle.
He was into hot rodding in the 50s and 60s and was willing to give of himself to help others as a volunteer fireman.
Now, we knew Chuck as Old Stumpe. He was in SASS about 5 years and I was honored to know him. He would go out of
his way to help others.
He exemplified the Spirit of the Game. He was a pleasure to be on a posse with because of his humor and cheerful disposition.
He would be there to help the Posse out any way possible. Whether it be watching the loading or unloading tables or time or help pick up brass.
He would always greet you with a friendly hello and go out of his way to greet everyone and would come out to be with his frineds even when he couldn't shoot.
He was well liked by everyone.
Stumpe is survived by his wife of 44 years - Dollar Betty, who always accompanied him to the shoots. Two sons Bill and Tim who is known as Lefty.
His brother and partner in crime, Dirtwater Dan, 4 grandchildren the youngest one Reload who he was teaching him the cowboy way.
He was always giving of his time to help youngsters to learn the proper way of handling firearms and taught several at his expense about Black Powder Long range rifle supply them with knowledge and ammunition to try his guns.
And he is survived by several friends that better people just for knowing him.
Now in Napoleanic times it was customary after a battle to clear the fields of their dead and wounded. To signal that they were ready to resume where they left off by firing a 3 round volley consisting
of seven rifle. Today we do that to honor Old Stumpe.
Cowboys Ready ----- Fire
Ready ----- Fire
Ready ----- Fire
Taps Played
Now the field has been cleared, the signal given, the bugles silenced, now all that is left is to say Fare Thee Well Stumpe, Rest in Peace, til we meet again on that big open range in the sky.