Our family sat around the kitchen table talking about old times when my Mom brought up Dad's songs. She said that when they would travel back and forth from Texas-Illinois, he would make up outrageous songs. Dad chimed right into the conversation by singing some of his little tunes. I can't repeat any of them..but I can tell you they are quite funny. If you get the chance, ask my mother about it...or better yet, ask Dad to sing you one! While we were installing floors Dad would suddenly start singing a song that sounded good, but you never knew what kind of lyrics he was dreaming up as he sang along. It was always entertaining working with Dad.
Dad had a natural talent for whistling too. I've only heard one other guy who could whistle anything like Tom. While he was in the Navy, he frequented a club where people would get up on stage and whistle tunes. I wish I had been around to see that! While playing pool he would whistle like a bird just to annoy the other players. It usually worked to his advantage too. If you ever heard it, you would definitely remember it. I've tried and tried to learn to imitate that whistle but could never duplicate it. He added a reverb that is hard to describe. He can't really do it anymore because of the COPD, but I'll never forget it. Good times and good memories!