2005 Old King Coal Selected
West Frankfort resident and retired coal miner Jack McReynolds was selected as 2005 Old King Coal Tuesday... McReynolds began working as a coal miner in 1962, retiring in 1994. While working at various mines throughout southern Illinois and Kentucky he held such jobs as machine operator, roof bolter, mine examiner, main line motorman, repairman, and buggy runner. He also served as President of UMWA local 2420. “It was an honor to be picked”, McReynolds said. “I am not the only one qualified for the job. I worked in the mines 32 years but a more worked many more years than I did.” McReynolds has been a tradition at the Old King Coal Festival’s Coal Miners Memorial Service, showing up each year in his mine work clothes to participate in honoring all area coal miners. Married to the former Gloria McClure, he is also the father of 5 children and grandfather to 24. Now 4 year old granddaughter Stephanie Gosney won Toddler Princess Flame at the 2003 Old King Coal children’s pageant. Old King Coal chairman, Steve Sawalich indicated there were a number of excellent nominations again this year for the honor of Old King Coal and thanked all who submitted names and information. Sawalich said he hoped those nominated this year but who were not selected would participate again in 2006. McReynolds will be “officially” crowned 2005 Old King Coal at the Princess Flame Pageant Sunday, 1p.m. at the Paschedag Auditorium in the Frankfort Community High School, Main Street, West Frankfort, Illinois.
