Elaska "Hoot" or "Manchild" Tyson to the elders of the family was born on June 9, 1898 to Virginia Baugus and Robert "Sambo" Tyson, Sr. I was twelve when grandpa "Hoot" passed away so there aren't a lot of things I remember about him. The things I do remember are his pale bald head that was twenty shades lighter than the rest of his body, and an ear to ear grin that was warm and inviting. 

The fondest memory I have of Grandpa "Hoot" is one of him fast asleep. Grandpa asleep was a sight to see. He would have one of us (the grandkids) rub his bald head as he relaxed on the living room couch talking and spitting his chew until finally falling asleep. 

The sight of grandpas mouth wide open was like a seal stretching for a fish. A single are would be cloaked over the crown of his bald head that reminded me of my own dad as he slept. They slept alike, except I think my dad, Forest, Sr. snored much loader. 

One thing that Grandpa "Hoot" taught all his children was to work hard, and he also taught them to play harder. This simple ethic is why all of them are so hard working and successful to this day. That early to bed and early to rise mentality is evident in all of his children. The boys who we have affectionately named the the "Kings of Concrete" have created jobs and opportunities for hundreds if not thousands of men and women in Kansas City. Except for Dallart who was a Master Electrician, all the boys made their living in the concrete construction industry. 

Aunt Gloria Jean once told me that grandpa "Hoot" wanted to farm the whole State of Texas, and the reason why he had so many children. She also added that he would have if they would have let him, and if Grandma Essie would have given him a few more kids. 

I think of grandpa as a simple man, no not in the head, but simple as in an ordinary man. He didn't want much, and he surely didn't want anybody giving him anything, and I mean anything. Many family members have basically told me the same exact thing about grandpa's mentality and personality. Simply put, his philosophy was, it ain't worth it, if you don't do the work for it.