I seem to attract all kinds of things I call “doo dads”. Over the years, family and friends have sent me little miniature frogs, for instance. Others have given me all kinds of stuffed animals and Tonka toys. These things have grown into quite an eclectic collection of stuff.

However, in my top dresser drawer is one of my most treasured keepsakes. It is a yo-yo dating back to my early childhood. The picture shows Roy Rogers and Trigger. Trigger is all rared up and ready to do something.

I was driving along in Tonka 02 when I heard the news that Roy Rogers had gone Home to be with the Lord. I had to pull over. Maybe real cowboys don’t cry, but I couldn’t see the road. From the time I was a little kid, I lived in awe of Roy and his wife, Dale Evans.

His philosophy of life came through loud and clear. If one wanted to be a responsible “cowboy” he lived an honest, honorable life. He didn’t mistreat his kids or his wife. He treated animals and people with great respect and didn’t mess up the natural world in which he was living.

Roy’s movies were pretty straight-forward morality plays. Good folks lived right and made good decisions. Bad folks got caught and punished in the end. I just loved anything and everything about the King of the Cowboys. The song, “Happy Trails” still raises goose bumps.

Several years ago, Pat and I were touring the northwestern and western states. As we left Los Angeles, I remembered that Roy and Dale had a museum in some little town called Apple Valley. We headed there. That night, we pulled the 5th Wheel into the KOA and hit the sack. Bright and early the next morning, we headed for the museum.

While paying the small admission, I asked one of the ladies if Mr. Rogers ever came to the museum. She said that he came nearly every morning with his son, Dusty (Roy Rogers, Jr.). She said that if I’d just nose around, I’d probably find him in one of the display rooms. Sure enough, a few minutes later I heard that magnificent voice.

He didn’t look exactly like the Roy Rogers of his films. He had a baseball cap on and was wearing sneakers! However, there was no mistaking who he was. We visited for a few minutes. I asked him if we could get a picture taken with him. Dusty took a picture of us with Pat and me hugging him. I guess next to my Roy Rogers yo-yo, I treasure that picture more than any of my other doo dads.

In 1970 I remember taking my young family to see them at a fair in Amarillo, Texas. We didn’t get very close, but just being there was good enough for me. Over the years, I read Dale’s books and kept up with the additions to their family. Roy and Dale were quite outspoken about their Christian faith. They were married more than 50 years. There was never even a hint of any moral or ethical breakdown in either of their characters.

Who are the heroes of our children today? Ask your children if they know who Roy Rogers was. I asked my fourteen old grandson yesterday if he knew who Roy Rogers was. He didn’t have the foggiest idea who he was. I tried to explain, but didn’t even know where to start. Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t hold that against my grandson. He’s growing up in a very different generation. These kids have sports and music heroes whom I might not recognize, either.

By the way, the young announcer who announced Roy Roger’s death on the radio wrongly identified him as The Singing Cowboy. Even though he sang very well, anybody who really knows the truth, knows that he was The King of the Cowboys. He’ll always be that to me.

I thank God for people like Roy Rogers. He gave me a good example to follow. He was my hero. Now I’ll be praying extra for Dale Evans and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren! Would you join me?

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