The death of my friend Frank Lawhead produced mixed reactions. While Crappie.Com members shed tears for a fellow fisherman that they loved and respected, crappie gave a sigh of relief that they were safe from his persistent bait and tackle.

For Frank, crappie fishing was a double catch--a catch of fish and friends. Frank did not just cast-out his bait to reel in fish, but also to share experiences with fellow fisherman. He might have forgotten some of the fish he caught, but he never forgot the companionship of his Crappie.Com friends.

Frank shared his passion for crappie fishing with all who enjoyed the sport. Through fishing and sharing his knowledge of and interest in fishing, Frank displayed his patience and selfless personality.

Fishing, for Frank, was not an escape from life, but an immersion into life. No greater fan of fishing could be found than Frank. Just as it is said the fishing season is not long enough, neither was the life and friendship of Frank Lawhead.

"I am going to fish," Simon Paul told them. "We will got with you," said his friends. John 21:3

Tom Lewis