Neighborhood Pays Tribute to Faithful Ford Truck
‘Old Yeller’ was more than just another truck. It was a loyal friend to an entire community.
For hardcore Ford truck fans like ourselves, you don’t have to explain the bond between man and truck. When you own and drive something for many years, you just become attached to it. Heck, you probably even give it a name. And much like the family dog, your truck plays the loyal friend you can count on to be by your side as long as it’s around.
All of which apply to Omaha resident Chris Foster and his 1994 F-150, who recently told its touching story to the Omaha World-Herald. Foster bought the F-150 back in 2002 after it served as a work truck for a local contractor that he worked for. From that day forward, the trusty Ford served Foster quite well. But it also faithfully served the entire neighborhood that he lives in. Foster was more than happy to loan out his truck to any and all residents of Gifford Park.
The truck was such a loyal servant to all that Foster nicknamed it “Old Yeller,” a nod to the faithful dog made famous in the 1950’s book of the same name. On Tuesdays, it delivered food to the hungry. It hauled Easter candy for the annual egg hunt and mulch for the community garden. And it helped Foster fix up a dozen local properties he bought and rented out to people in need.
But sadly, the old faithful Ford truck is now permanently retired. While parked on the street in front of Foster’s house, an intoxicated driver smashed into the car parked behind it. Old Yeller was hit with so much force that it bent the frame. Amazingly, it still drives. But with $6,000 in body damage alone, the insurance company obviously chose to total it out.
Accidents happen every day. And while it’s not exactly news when a truck gets totaled out, this story is a little different. Mainly because it resonates with those of us who see our Ford truck as more than just a truck. In cases like these, losing them is akin to losing a member of the family.
