A&M legend passes on: "Pappy Drennan" started football program at LJC

Pappy Drennan played for the Aggies in 1938

From Beaumont's KFDM TV

God called home one of his good and faithful soldiers. W. B. “Pappy” Drennan passed into the next life on Sunday, October 9, 2011. He is survived by a host of friends who will miss him greatly. “Pappy”, as he has been known from his college days at Texas A &M University, was born in rural Texas near Cleburne. He was 101 years old (we think); however, his age is somewhat of a mystery as he claimed to be born on April 29, 1910. His birth record in Johnson County, Texas, shows his birth date to be April 29, 1911. He could be right, as the fact that he was born and lived out on a ranch. His birth may have been recorded some time after he was actually born. “Pappy” was always very proud of his longevity, so we will take his word for it.

“Pappy” was the oldest living football letterman for Texas A&M University. He lettered four years at A&M graduating in 1938. He served on the Texas A&M Hall of Honor selection committee for many years. He enjoyed telling stories of his days at A&M and had great loyalty to the university all his years. He was a favorite of A&M coaches and athletic office staff. They treated him like royalty, and he loved it. On his many trips “home” to attend ball games, he returned the favor by showering them with beautiful roses he grew in his own yard. “Pappy” and his roses were even featured in an article of the Texas A&M 12th Man Magazine in June of 2010. Also, his story was featured in the Austin-American Statesman in June of 2009.

After his graduation from A&M, “Pappy” started a football coaching career, first at Hallettsville, Texas, and then at Yoakum, Texas, where he had excellent success. This led him to be offered a job at Uvalde, Texas, and he continued his success there as well. He moved from there to Jacksonville, Texas, with continued coaching success. When Laredo Junior College, in Laredo, Texas, called him to begin a football program there, he obliged, and coached there until financial hardship forced the college to terminate their football program.

Read more: http://www.kfdm.com/articles/letterman-45236-living-oldest.html#ixzz1ad7nWJnM