Branson Globe readers give a shoutout to special fathers

Branson Globe readers shared their thoughts on some of the most important men in their lives, as they paid honor to their fathers.

Said Emeline, of her father Jason Hughes, "My dad is one of the strongest people I know! He's faithful and shares what he knows of Christ with me. He's thoughtful and loving. His eyes sparkle and make the magic of childhood come back into my life. No matter how far from home I go, I will never forget how awesome my dad is. He's always there to talk when I need it, and he gives the best advice. I know everyone thinks they have the best dad, but my dad is actually the best dad ever. I love my dad and I know he loves me!"

Jessica shared, "My dad has been a God fearing man since he was young and married my mom 50-plus years ago. He worked one job my entire life and is now retired. He spends so much time together with my mom now. They are involved in the church and raised me to show a love like Christ. He is always there if my siblings or I need him. I call him Superman because he's one phone call away."

"What can I say about my dad? I can say my dad is always there when I need him and always has my back," said Gracelin. "He is definitely a hard worker and is a great role model."

Niki said, "My dad Greg Ryan is an Air Force vet. He is fully disabled and wheelchair bound. He survived stage four Lymphoma. He currently works at Hey Dude and Grunt Style at Tanger Outlets. My mom and dad have been married for over three decades. Their marriage is what I aspire for. My dad is strong and resilient; that's where I get it from. He will stand up for the people most important to him, as he is extremely protective. I can always depend on him to speak up for what he thinks is right. I am so lucky to have both my parents."

Michael shared," My dad Robert Thompson, who passed away December of 2024, was an amazing man. He came home from Vietnam with two Purple Hearts in 1968. He was a Navy Medic but was attached to the Marines. He married my mother in 1969. My dad joined the Border Patrol in 1971 and his entire working career was with the INS (now called ICE). He was also an Air Force Reservist in the early '80s. We moved all over the country—California, Illinois, Hawaii, Nebraska, Missouri. He always made sure us kids had the newest game systems, new bikes, the coolest toys. I think it was his way of making up for us moving so often. He was a silent man. We didn't hug much or talk about emotional stuff but he had a look that said, 'I got your back.' I never asked him for anything but he always offered help up to the day he died. I just hope I will measure up to him when my children think back on their lives."

"My stepdad came into my life when he was 23. I was six and my brother was five," said Kimberly.  "He raised us as if we were his own. We were 100% his, no matter what happened in life. He gave his all and went above and beyond. He passed away in 2007 at the age of 41. One of the hardest moments in my life."

Audra said, of her father Dan, "He could make friends with a spitting cat! He loved fiercely and hard. He loved to tell people what presents he bought them so they anticipate them and always bought gifts he thought suited the person. While he could make me mad or frustrated, I could always depend on him, and if I asked him to be there, he kept his word."

Heather shared, "What can be said about my dad? I believe he is the best! Growing up, he was always there for us and worked so hard to provide for our family. I am grateful for my dad. He truly is the best."

Anna had a special message for her father: "Happy Father's Day to my dad Douglas Foster! I am so thankful for you and I thank God for giving me such wonderful parents. I love and appreciate you and thank you for everything you have done for me. Your hands tell a story of the hard work you have done, and I am so thankful God has given you the strength to be 84 and able to still do things for yourself. I could search the world over and never find anyone like my daddy. I cherish every moment. No matter what my age is, I will always be your little Annie."

Karen fondly remembers her father. "My dad was born into what would later become known as the Greatest Generation. His early life was spent in rural Oklahoma in the Great Depression, where resources were few but values were high. As the oldest son in a family of 12, dad chose work over a formal education. He knew his greatest asset was his ability to work hard and do things right. Dad was drafted into the Army during WWII and like thousands of others, came home, got married and started a family. Dad continued to work hard in various construction type jobs to raise a family of four girls. Words of love never came easy to Dad, except for the occasional 'You know I love you four girls.' Instead, he showed his love every day in the way he provided for and protected his family. His greatest legacy was the work ethic he instilled in all four girls. Work hard, do things right and help others as you can. Love you, too, Dad."

Entertainer Randy Plummer had thoughts on his father Darrell, "Daddy was a hard working man and a huge believer in people being on time. Back when the Bacon family was doing a Gospel program at The Plummer Family Theatre, Mike Patrick, Brad Bacon and myself were at McDonald’s shooting the bull and one of the workers said 'Don't you guys have a show today?' And when we realized it was around 10 minutes until showtime, we were all sweating bullets—us three guys, my daddy and Max Bacon. It was not a good time! Another story is after visiting Branson in 1971 and having decided to come to Branson and start the shows, Daddy, Mom, Melody and I all joined hands and agreed that we would do this new adventure. Mark Trimble, who used to own the Shepherd of the Hills told Daddy he didn't think the Plummer Family Country Music Show was a good choice to name a theater, but Daddy stayed with the name and years later, before we sold out, Mark told Daddy he was wrong about what he said. The third thing I will always appreciate about Daddy is that he wanted to feature everyone in the show—even at times when I felt he was self-sacrificing himself doing an extra song. He was great about encouraging me to take more of the lead in doing some of the responsibilities and put me in as part owner in the business. I will forever be grateful to him for being such a blessing to so many. Daddy died the first day of fall in 2024 and I miss him so much."

Branson headline entertainer Doug Gabriel shared, "I am so thankful to God for my father Don Gabriel. Being his son is truly a blessing as he always lived his life for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He showed me how to be a true man and put God first in everything. He was there for me in every way and was the perfect example of what a father should be. I love and miss him so much, and I want to be all the things he was for me, for our children and grandchildren. I also thank God for my father-in-law, Loren DeGroot, who also was a godly influence on me. I am truly blessed by Jesus my Savior and am truly grateful for the family he has blessed me with. I look forward to seeing my dad and my father-in-law in heaven someday. Most of all, I look forward to meeting my Heavenly Father as he is the reason for everything and for my existence. I love and thank you, Lord Jesus, for my family."

Daniel Koren of Branson Springfield Roof Co. shared thoughts on his dad, saying, "The thing I admire about my dad so much is that he has an ability to make people feel seen. He can walk up to a cashier or other workers who look totally bored or weary from their tasks and routines and say just a few words that bring a smile to their faces. I'm not sure how to duplicate what he does, but it can be a random comment of something way off topic. However he does it, it works and people love him. The other thing I have always loved about observing him from childhood until now is how energetic he is when talking about God. He loves the Lord with all his heart, and you can tell if you sat near him in a church service. But he will still sit and share with you at a coffee shop what Jesus means to him, with tears in his eyes. I am so grateful to have had a dad who provided, who was present and who truly loves."

Branson Globe staff writer Cindy Thomas said of her father, “What made my dad—and now my memories of him—special is his consistent example of faithfulness. He didn't just attend church, he got up every day to study his Bible and lived out his faith by giving, praying and volunteering. As a World War II veteran, he also modeled respect for government leaders, and even if he disagreed with them, he always said we were a lot better off in America than some places."

Rob Doherty, publisher of the Branson Globe, is grateful for his father. Said Rob, "What makes my dad so special? It is not just one thing, there are countless ways he's always shown up, offered support, shared wisdom and led by example. His strength, kindness and love helped shape who I am today. On Father's Day, I'm grateful for all the lessons, memories and unwavering love. Happy Father's Day, Pop. You're appreciated more than words can say!"

Some readers shared about another special man—the father of their children.

Said Ayrianna, "My husband is a wonderful father to our two children. My first is not biologically his. My son's bio father was absent since he was one-year-old, and I met my now husband Dawson, when my son was 20 months old. He has raised my son and has always been very devoted to taking care of him, even before he adopted my son. When my son was four, his biological father took us to court to establish paternity and gain custody. The custody battle took a toll on Dawson, as he is the only father our son has known. After a year of fighting, Dawson was granted the adoption, and he was so very happy that he could legally be the father to my son. They already have an unbreakable bond, but the adoption made it to where nobody can attempt to take that away from them. My husband fought for our son without a moment of hesitation. He's been a wonderful leader, teacher, provider and protector to both of our boys and we are so blessed to have him. He is the father that stepped up and went above and beyond. The man that is at every single game, every single award and every step of life. He was the father long before it was on paper. and I know he will continue to sacrifice every day for our boys."

Jo Jo said, "My husband sacrifices so much for all of our kiddos, five in total. He does two weeks on and two weeks off as a supervisor to make sure our kiddos don't need for anything and when he's home he never misses a game, an FFA event, a moment really. After working hard for two weeks, he comes home and doesn't rest. He will get up and make the kids breakfast, take them exploring, show up for absolutely everything they have going on for his 11 days home, and never complains. He also jumps in and helps with dishes and cleaning and makes sure he has one-on-one time with all of them. He will host cookouts for our kiddos' team when they win or take all the kiddos and their friends tubing, meanwhile running on empty and knowing he's going back to make sure they don't struggle. He misses so much, but he always makes up for it as soon as his plane lands. His name is Fennis Garduno, and he is loved by all of us and our kids' friends."

Stella noted, "My husband is the ultimate provider for our family, working diligently every single day to ensure we have everything we need. His hard work doesn't stop when the workday ends. The moment he is present for us, he jumps right into caring for us by playing with our kids, cleaning our home, folding clothes and cooking dinner. He truly will do anything for our family, and we are so incredibly blessed to have him. He is the ultimate ‘Yes Man’ for us and no obstacle will stop him from making sure we are cared for and provided for."

The Branson Globe wishes every father a very Happy Father's Day! We appreciate you!