Coach W. B. "Pappy" Drennan

I was a student at FP from 1970-73 , and I was always impressed with Pappy as a coach and as a great Male role model. He was Blue and Gray at Forest Park , and ALL Maroon when it came to A&M.

My most fond memories was the wrestling match everyone talks about, on the floor of the field house were he "Pinned" all of the biggest football players - who seemed like giants then, as I was just a freshman ......And ....

A very special tour he gave a few of us on the FP track team in about '72.. of the A&M's Athletic facilities, and gun museum on campus, while we were there for a track meet.

I just feel he has his A&M football uniform on right now , getting ready for the Kickoff !... He was one of the best .. Blessings to all of his family.

On behalf of myself and all members of the Forest Park class of 1972 who no longer live in Beaumont, I offer our condolences to the friends and family of Pappy Drennan. During our four years at Forest Park, Pappy was a familiar sight to all of us. He was a fixture on the sidelines and a presence in the halls. His gentle, good humor was an influence in each of our lives and we are better for having been associated with him. Gig 'em, Pappy!!

I was a student at Forest Park from 1969 through 1972. Although I did not play football, I was one of the managers for a couple of years, and witnessed firsthand what type of a man he was. He was a first class gentleman; on and off the field. I remember one 4th period P.E. class during the off season(which was the athletic P.E. class), they got to wrestling because it was raining outside, and Coach Drennan, although about 60 years old at the time, outwrestled every football player who took him on that day, including the biggest and strongest guys on the team. Needless to say, I was impressed beyond belief. Most of the pallbearers listed are former assistant coaches to Coach Drennan, and all those guys are first class in my book, too. Save me a spot in Heaven, Coach Drennan...no doubt in my mind he is there.

I was at Forest Park for 4 years between 1963 and 1967. I was not a football player, but I respected the way he conducted his self as a coach and as a person. I remember him out wrestling Billy Weibold, a large physically fit sophomore.

After working with Pappy, I can honestly say he was a five star gentleman. He will be a loss to the Aggies and to the community. He earned his reward.
Irene H. Chesnutt

A faithful Aggie, Gig 'Em and God Bless!

Some of the best memories I have while at Forest Park (1968-70) was playing for Coach Drennan and his staff. Coach Drennan was always upbeat, always teaching and a mention of Texas A&M was never far away. The Good Lord has a new coach on his sideline in "Pappy" Drennan and he's a good one.

David McKenna
Forest Park - Class of '71
Texas A&M - Class of '75

A great life and may he rest in peace and enjoy watching and coaching from above. Gig Em!

I've only had the pleasure of knowing this great man for 24 yrs. Far too short of a time. While serving as his banker I've heard countless stories about his players, students, Aggies and life in general. For Pappy, friendships always mattered most. We can all learn a lot from that statement. Make time as Pappy always did.

So sorry to hear about Pappy. He was a wonderful & informative person to talk to. I loved all of the historic stories of his past. He was one of my favorite customers at Capital One Bank.