Remembering my father, Charles E. Kautz
Courtesy of Lucianne Kautz Call
Lucianne was a cheerleader for the Herd during her time at Marshall University.
Hello students, faculty, staff, Marshall sports fans, and the community,
What has transpired over the 50 years since that fatal night November 14th, 1970? Let me walk you through it. The rebuilding of the Marshall football team, the campus, and the Huntington community. This week marks the 50th anniversary of what some thought was the end of Marshall football.
Well, that was not the case. We came from ashes to glory … to become the winningest football program in the 1990s. We Are … Marshall we are …family we are … one town. We are … Winners!
When you step on Marshall’s campus you immediately are a daughter or a son of Marshall. This is truly a special place. Go Herd!
My Dad Charlie E. Kautz, Director of Athletics, passed away on that night. In the eyes of everyone he met he was a gentleman but more importantly a teacher, coach, & a leader.
He was a positive influence on the young men he coached. My Dad had an unmatched LOVE for Marshall. This being Veterans Day Week, it is fitting to say my dad proudly served as a member of USMC during WWII & the Korean War.
I attended Marshall in 1967. I received my degree in Elementary Education in 1971. I worked in the ticket office, cheered from 1967-70, & was a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority.
I thoroughly enjoyed my college years.
I taught in Cabell County Schools for several years. In 2000, I decided to change professions. I pursued a job as a flight attendant. Yes, I worked for US Air Express at the Tri-State Airport. I am very thankful the pilots took great care of me. It was a rewarding experience.
My husband and I have four children and their spouses as well as seven grand children who of course bleed green. We are … so blessed.
Thinking about the fountain ceremony this week, which symbolizes the 75 lives, who will live on in our hearts forever. Each time we walk by it, we remember & reflect what their lives stood for.
To all the Marshall students: you too are a part of this story. I want to inspire you to be a winner everyday of your life with 3 basic qualities to strive for. Be passionate, be committed, and be an encourager to others. Like the movie states… What do you want to be remembered for?
Marshall made a difference in my life. So, I challenge you to set yourself on a course to became significant in the lives of everyone you meet. No matter where you roam wearing the Kelly green & white someone will say hey, We are… Marshall.
Warm regards,
Lucianne Kautz Call ‘71 Alumni
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Mike Nowlin • Feb 18, 2021 at 2:29 am
Mrs. Call,
I met your mother at Spring Hill Cemetery in August 2009. I was moving from Washington, DC back to St. Louis. She approached me at the cemetery and took a genuine interest in me, despite having every reason to focus only on your father’s memory. Her devotion to your father and his memory still stands out, even more than a decade later. It is clear from that brief conversation that both of your parents were both remarkable people (I understand your mother passed just a couple of years after we met), and it’s clear from this writing that their passion, character, and commitment to encourage others lives on in you. I have been wanting to share that encounter with someone in the Kautz family, and this article gave me the chance to do so. And thank you for writing and inspiring!
Kim Copley • Nov 18, 2020 at 11:57 pm
Lucianne , your words moved me! I’m so glad that you were this years speaker at the 50th year anniversary at the memorial fountain. You are such an important ambassador for the Marshall community. You’re so special!
David Thompson • Nov 15, 2020 at 11:39 am
Dear Lucianne,
Janet and I are so proud of you and all you have done to keep the memory alive for the victims of the Marshall plane crash. We are truly blessed for having known you personally over the years. Your personality, smile, audible laughter, kindness, and beauty of your soul are traits to be admired by all. I was on the phone with my cousin, Pat Porter (who is more like my sister than cousin) last night, and much of our conversation was about you and what a wonderful person and friend you are toward all who know you. Stay well, dear heart. We love you and appreciate your display of God’s love.
Frank Sanchez • Nov 14, 2020 at 11:08 pm
Hey Lucianne and Rick, it’s Frank Sanchez, the California guy you came across at the cemetery a month ago. Been trying to follow up on your memorial event. Think you pulled it off under these difficult Covid times. Your remarks that I’ve read are intense and demonstrate great strength. Hope my kids, grandkids and I can be as strong as you’ve been when tough circumstances comes our way. Wishing that you and Rick hit the road someday and have great adventures. Bugs me that I didn’t take a picture of you guys that day, for having crossed my path during my journey. Regardless, it was an honor and a pleasure to have met you for a few minutes. Be good and stay healthy.
Nancy Chandler Hazeldine • Nov 14, 2020 at 5:27 pm
Dear Lucianne, I am so glad I found this. Your words were beautiful, it was as if I were hearing you speak at memorial service. God bless you and your family. Sigma love, Nancy
Joy Perry Bryant • Nov 11, 2020 at 12:14 pm
My dear friend Lucianne, These are beautiful words from a beautiful lady. The years have passed so quickly and none of us will ever forget this tragedy. It seems like yesterday and still brings tears to my eyes. I pray for you today as I do every year at the time. I love you my sweet friend. ❤️🙏🙏🙏
Shelby Harbour • Nov 11, 2020 at 12:13 pm
Well written. Whi would have expected less from you, Lucianne. You have ALWAYS done a great job of reminded all of this painful piece of history. I had thought if trying to get back to Huntington this year for the 50th anniversary. Wgen it didnt look possible to make it, I just sold my mom’s house a week ago. Wgen I read how limited the attendance would be this year because of Covid, it made it a little easier. Still very sad that this virus would hinder the 50th ceremony. Sure you will be there to represent all of us. Even those of who did not attend, but grew up there……..”We ARE Marshall!!”
Tom Lovins • Nov 11, 2020 at 10:51 am
Thank you so very much for your story. Your dad was a wonderful man and positively impacted so many people.
His loss and the lives of others will always be in our thoughts and prayers. I will always remember that night and the loss of so many.
Bless you and your family!
Patty Osborne • Nov 10, 2020 at 9:59 pm
Love this story and the advice that you give to others!