| My parents and I arrived at the house late in the afternoon, close to the dinner hour. We'd travelled clear across the San Fernando Valley to eat what were always the best meals of my youth, so I'm sure about the time. This was a family tradition, but the next time my parents would be the hosts. I believe that I was six years of age at the time, this is as far back as my memory will allow at this time of my life. I can remember being excited as we pulled into the circle driveway because I could see a corral to the rear of the western style home. I became even more excited when I saw a horse moving about, it was more tan than white. But then I wasn't aware at the time about how perfect it would have been to find a white stallion grazing. As usual, before leaving the car Mom gave me the routine lecture on the importance of good manners and behavior. She would say "Your Uncle Clayton and Aunt Sally will not tolerate a child who can't behave, and for goodness sake, don't touch anything!" My dad would just shake his head in agreement and wink. It was his way of confirming the instructions I had just recieved. As we reached the front door Mom reinforced her expectations of my behavior and rang the doorbell. The huge oak door had a beautiful beveled glass diamond-shaped window. Through it I could just see a shadow moving towards the door. The shadow continued to grow as it reached the door.Dad whispered, "Put your hands in your pockets" Mom would add, "And don't touch anything". The door opened. The figure who stood before me was huge. My eyes started their climb upwards from the boots, moving ever so slowly upwards and finally reaching a face that was most captivating. The giant's hair was very dark. His piercing blue eyes were dominated only by a huge white smile. This giant figure could scare any child of six. It absolutely petrified me to the point of wanting to run as fast and as far as I could- as children do in their minds. It was only the fact that my parents were happy to greet this giant figure of a man that kept me from doing so. Suddenly he spoke in a voice that was deep, but soothing, almost pacifying. Pleasantries were exchanged. Formalities confirmed. Then this dominant figure dropped to one knee and with those very piercing blue eyes pointed in my direction and with a very demanding voice said to me, "Hello Jughead!" Simultaneously a massive hand was extended and gently wrapped around my hand. I felt like it was going to consume mine forever. I couldn't move. I was petrified. Dad broke my fear somewhat by demanding that I return the gesture. I managed to whimper a simple "Hello". In a jovial voice, Dad then said "Go ahead, Clay, give him a shout". I had no idea what Dad meant nor did I want to know. I was still planning my escape. This huge man released my hand and proceeded to cup his hands over his mouth. Within seconds I was more terrified than I had ever been in my life. The sound was deep, dramatic and seemed to go on forever. But at the same time it was so very familiar. I had heard this loud and commanding yell many times in the past, that is to say in my short past. It would prove to be a yell that millions of children all over the world would come to crave and hope to hear again and again. "HI YO SILVER, AWAYYYYYYYYYY." I would never be afraid of this giant figure again. I would in fact feel safe and secure whenever I was in the presence of Mr. Clayton Moore. Better known to the world as "The Lone Ranger". |
| C Craig Coomer remembers meeting his "Uncle Clayton" |
| Craig told me that although this was his recollection of meeting his Uncle Clayton at age six, he actually never felt compelled to tell this story. He sat down and wrote this recollection the night he heard of his "Uncle Clayton's" passing. |
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