With rainy and cold weather befitting such a somber occasion, the President George H.W. Bush Funeral Train running as UP Train PWFCS1 06 passes through Downtown Navasota, Texas. Operating from the Westfield Auto Facility near Spring to College Station via the UP Navasota Sub., the train is carrying the former president’s remains, family, and loved ones. The lead unit is crossing Washington Street as thousands of patriotic mourners pay their last respects to the 41st President just days after his passing on November 30, 2018 in Houston, TX at age 94.
Bush 41 served in office from 1989-1993, and is the first president that occupied the Oval during my lifetime that has since passed away. Bush was my grandpa’s final Commander-in-chief towards the end of his military service which included Operation Desert Storm. As most know, Bush was a WWII veteran himself, and a member of the greatest generation. Quietly a railfan of sorts, he carried out a whistle stop campaign in 1992 aboard a passenger train running in an election he ultimately lost to Bill Clinton, but in time became great friends with.
His remains were carried on baggage car "Council Bluffs", wrapped in a large flag graphic 4 cars deep in the train. His casket was visible through the large plexiglass windows affixed in the opened doors. The route covered approximately 70 miles across Texas, the line was bounded on each side by a nearly unbroken crowd as the train made its way northward, crewed by an engineer and conductor who were both US Navy vets themselves.
Helicopters hovered overhead and streamed pictures and video live to millions of TVs nationwide. The family including George W. and Jeb Bush rode the "Lone Star" behind the funeral car in the consist of 11 from the UP business car fleet.
The locomotive of course is SD70ACe #4141, painted reminiscent of Raymond Loewy’s Air Force One paint scheme in 2005 as a gift to the former president when his library and museum hosted a 2-year railroad exhibition sponsored by Union Pacific Railroad. The engine was used for a few years in revenue freight service and abruptly stored at UP Jenks Shop in North Little Rock, AR. Ironically, Jenks Shop was dedicated in 1984 by then-Governor Clinton when he rang a locomotive bell.
After nearly a decade of storage and careful upkeep, a longtime urban legend of sorts suddenly came to fruition with Bush’s passing, and the engine led his funeral train; the first since President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s body was taken back to Kansas 49 years ago in 1969. Bush helped plan nearly every aspect of his funeral proceedings, including the train ride behind his locomotive, and the meal served onboard.
Our perch was located high atop roofs of The Chandelier Room, an event space operated by Mrs. Patty Tokoly, and the Navasota Theatre Alliance, a performing arts theater. I am very thankful for their hospitality, helpfulness, and toleration in assisting with making this photograph. I know my request was unconventional and somewhat inconveniently timed, but I very much appreciate their help.
I’m still somewhat at a loss of how to describe this moment. There was a low roar of a crowd as people patiently waited in a downpour for the arrival. When the horn was finally heard in the distance a hush came over the gathering. The K5LLA drew closer, and people scrambled to wipe raindrops off their camera lenses and phone screens. The gates went down, and the glint of headlights appeared on the rails in the curve.
People from toddler age to mid-90’s waved flags at the head end and quickly began straining for a view of the casket. Some people stood at attention, others saluted. A few wept. More cheered and applauded for the fallen leader when his car came into view. In seconds the train had disappeared; the backlit POTUS seal drifting out of sight in the drumhead of the rear car.
Paralyzing. Other than the chill from the rain, we stood silently, reflecting upon what we just witnessed. An outpouring of support, a burst of patriotism. A balloon with a flag drifted into the sky, ascending almost symbolically of a man being released from earthly bonds. It was a brief restoration in humanity to see a leader and a war hero honored in such a unique, and accessible way. It was a proud day to be an American, and specifically a railroader, with our profession suddenly cast into the national spotlight in a positive way. A State Funeral, and a piece of history that may never be repeated.
George and Barbara are now reunited, holding hands as W. eulogized just a couple hours before this photograph. Read my lips: you can rest easy Mr. President.
This image was used for the Trains Magazine online News Wire for December 6, 2018, and in their February 2019 issue.
Locomotives: UP 4141, UP 9096
12-6-18
Navasota, TX
