Local resident gifted automobile from ministry

A local resident who has served the school and community for decades was recently gifted a car from a longtime friend.

Randy Weeaks’ and John Robison’s relationship goes all the way back to their days as students at Comanche. Last Friday, in front of a table full of former teachers and friends Bob’s Landmark Eatery in Meridian, Weeaks presented Robison with the keys to a car on behalf of his Why Not Bless? ministry. 

It is one of 48 cars the ministry has presented to people since Jan. 1.

“You’re a good man, John,” Weeaks said. “You’re one of the most beloved men in the community.”

The two men have come a long way since Robison was a water boy and Weeaks was a football player for the Indian football team. Weeaks recalled one particular moment at a practice involving the two men.

“John was running the ball as part of a drill and the defense had to run him down and touch him,” Weeaks said. “When I got to him, I hit him on the shoulder and he went into a mud puddle.”

Despite Robison’s insistance that he had tripped and fallen into the mud puddle and it had nothing to do with Weeaks’ actions, the coach wasn’t convinced Weeaks hadn’t done it intentionally.

“He told me to get in the puddle and roll around in the mud,” Weeaks said with a laugh.

The ministry has given away  $2.5 million in the six years since it was founded. The car Robison received was gifted to the ministry and Weeaks’ had the car fixed up to present to Robison.

He also presented Robison a check for $1,000 to help cover the cost of insurance. 

Weeaks praised Robison for his 45 years of service to the school district and the community. 

“It’s a great joy to bless you,” Weeaks said.

Robison humbly accepted the gift of the 1999 Buick LaSabre that has just 62,000 miles on it.

“It’s been great working at the school, but the students, parents and teachers are what make it great more than anything,” Robison said. “Once an Indian, always an Indian.”