PAUL MOAK SR. NAMED 2024 OLD KING COAL

Paul, a 1969 graduate of FCHS, began his coal mining

career at Peabody Baldwin 1 mine in Marissa, Illinois in 1970.

At Peabody. He worked as a buggy runner, roof bolter, and

repairman. In 1972, Paul became (MSHA) Misha certified, and

the first person at Peabody certified for underground

electrical repair. Three years later, he moved to Old Ben 21 in

Sesser, Illinois where he worked primarily as a repairman due

to his MSHA certification. He was also the very first MSHA-

certified repairman at Old Ben. During his time at Old Ben 21,

Paul also worked as a track layer. When a fire broke out at Old

Ben 21, Paul worked courageously to help put out the fire.

In February 1977, Paul transferred to Old Ben 25 in West

Frankfort. Working his way up the ranks, going from hoist

engineer and repairman, he ascended to the position of

preparation plant operator. Paul said that he “ran every piece

of equipment at the mine, including cherry pickers, bulldozers,

bobcats, road graders, haul trucks, end loaders and water

trucks”.

When former President Jimmy Carter visited Old Ben 25 in

1980. Paul was the one that had the honor of greeting him at

the mine. While Paul was operator of the preparation plant,

Old Ben 25 set numerous records for tonnage produced and

washed through the plant.

When Old Ben 25 closed, Paul was the one to lock the gate

after everyone had exited. Paul’s 24- year career in the coal

mining industry came to an end in 1994. Nowadays, Paul

spends his time playing pinochle and golfing. He is also as avid

deer and turkey hunter.

Paul, a lifelong resident of West Frankfort lives in town

with his wife Lou Ann. Together, they have a son, Paul Junior,

and two grandsons, Jacob and Lucas. Altogether Paul has

given nearly a quarter of a century working in the coal

industry, and I believe that his years of hard work and

experience should be rewarded. I, Jacob Moak, nominate Paul

Moak Sr for 2024 Old King Coal.

The Southern Illinois Old King Coal Festival congratulates

Paul Moak Senior on his selection as 2024 Old King Coal. Moak

will reign over the Southern Illinois Old King Coal Festival May

9 th thru the 12 th in downtown West Frankfort.