PAUL POLK
June 11, 1933 - June 26, 2007
We will be thinking of you everyday, until the end of time...

Paul was born on June 11, 1933 in a small town near San Antonio, Texas. The Great Depression was going on, and his father and mother were hard working share croppers with a large family to feed. Paul's mother picked cotton, and dragged the large sacks with her bloody fingers. As a young boy, before school age, Paul would try to pull the sacks for her. He loved his happy mother, and I believe he inherited her joyful-teasing nature. Paul's hard working father never smiled or had time to play with his children. Paul's mother made corn bread and the family ate it for all three meals, crumbled up in milk. All of our married life, when Paul smelled my corn bread baking, he would be SO HAPPY! Small things made Paul happy - babies, puppies, new foals, new crops growing and corn bread in the oven!

In 1942, Paul and his large family moved to California, just like in the movie Grapes of Wrath. They all rode out in the back of a watermelon truck heading our way. I will be forever thankful, as I would never have met him in far away Texas. We met at age 14, on the Linden High School bus, and stayed best friends all through school. Paul was amazing in all sports, and turned down a college scholarship, so we could continue seeing each other. We had no money, and no car, so Paul rode his bicycle 20 miles on Sundays, to visit while helping me clean eggs, and farm with my father.

We were engaged at age 18, and my father came bringing home an antique cradle that he found at the county dump for 25 cents. All five of our children rocked and slept in it, as did our grandchildren. Paul never rode horses, but was a natural at showing and winning in halter classes, delivering foals, and handling stallions for breeding the mares. For 30 years, he and the families Arabian horses won titles across the United States and Canada. During the years of awarding "Showman of the Year", he humbly won it three times! Paul's most favorite animal to show, FADJUR, performed together FADJUR'S entire life. A team of beauty and happiness they both were, and a sight to never be forgotten.

Farming with his family took up most of Paul's life, but in the winter he coached many young Linden High School boys and all remained friends for years. Sometimes the boys would come to practice with large earrings - knowing he would kick them off the team - then the boys and Paul would burst out laughing at the joke! And when Paul's father in-law Jack Tone, retired from the Stockton East Water District Board, Paul was happy to carry on for him, representing the local farmers and their needs.

Paul's smile, laughter, and teasing nature was known by all he met. So was his kindness, honesty, and helpfulness to any in need - He was a one of a kind - An honest to goodness believer in God, and a husband and father cherished by his wife and children. He loved us, spoiled us and made us laugh. I have a beautiful sign above my kitchen sink that reads: "Laughter - Music of the Heart". That was our Paul, and we miss him so very much.

Jackie Tone Polk

A Scholarship in Memory of Paul F. Polk is being formed for a student at Linden High School. This award will be presented each year to a student who may not be an A student, but a student who loves to play Sports at Linden High School, and Farms the beautiful land near Linden, California. Paul F. Polk was not only a Horseman, but was an excellent Athlete, and a person who loved every second of life Farming. He loved his entire Family. Paul would be honored to create this Scholarship in his precious Memory.

Contact:
Farmers and Merchants Bank
% Paul F. Polk Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 685
Linden, California 95236