The picture on left is of my dad in the late summer of 1991 making a presentation to the South County Kiwanis Club which I was president.
The year dad passed, he was the Governor/leader of the Missouri/Arkansas District of Kiwanis. One of the proudest parts of his life was giving to others through his volunteer work with Kiwanis.
He was a teacher/coach and was entering his tenure year at St. Clair H.S. He was not granted tenure and his contract was not renewed. He decided to begin his restaurant business in earnest. For the next few years, those involved in dismissal became his customers and ultimately his friends. When bad things happen, keep your head up and move on with your life.
He lost his first election attempt for Governor and called the new Governor and volunteered to help in any way he could with the year. He actually became Liet. Gov for the area he lived. He was able to see the bigger picture in life and did not allow setbacks to get in his way or in the way of the ultimate goal.
A few years later on the evening in which he won his election for Governor. We were in his room with family and friends waiting on word of the election. The message was delivered that he won and I remember the group embrace that my brothers and I were involved with dad. He was so proud of his election because he knew through his efforts how he could affect people, especially kids lives for the better. He only made it through 6 months of his term but accomplished more in 6 months than most ever accomplished in their full year of service.
Dad, I'm proud to be your son!!
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