My mother posted this witty meme this morning and it reminded me of one of my grandfather’s police stories.

Grandpa Leroy was on third shift duty at the police department when a call came in that a hearse had hit a light pole.

Grandpa went out to investigate.

Bob Jackley, one of Elwood’s undertakers was sent to retrieve a body. The gentleman had died sitting up in his recliner and rigor-mortis had long set in. The appropriate preparations were taken to secure the body on the gurney and the body was placed in the hearse.

Mr. Jackley was returning to his funeral home and drove over one of the bumpiest railroad crossings in the city.

The jarring set everything into motion: the body forced the straps apart and resumed its upright seated position. A very stunned Mr. Jackley lost control of the hearse and ran into a light pole.

One day, I hope to record all the stories I can recall of Grandpa’s days on the police force.