Hall of Carthage Heroes

Identify and celebrate those who impacted Carthage

What is the Hall of Carthage Heroes?

As written by Marvin L. VanGilder on January 10, 2007, in anticipation of the creation of this Hall of Carthage Heroes.

Deeming it important that this community never forget the awesome debt it owes the quality leadership that lifted Carthage to great heights and established the ideals that have created here an attractive and unique city, we establish the Hall of Carthage Heroes to identify them and celebrate their lives. Let their memory remain always at the heart of this community to which they gave their best time, energy, and wisdom as their investment in behalf of all the generations that would walk in their steps.

Every individual listed here made a strong, positive impact on this city as it was born and grew, or contributed greatly to its reputation by the deeds they accomplished, and are worthy of emulation by today’s and succeeding generations.

From time to time, others who similarly served in their own era will be added to this roster, for the talent once invested bears good fruit for the centuries and in their footprints more giants continue to stride forward into a bright tomorrow.

Inductees

Visit the Hall of Carthage Heroes in person

Inside the Fair Acres YMCA
2600 Grand Ave
Carthage, MO 64836

Our Purpose

The Hall of Carthage Heroes, established in 2012, is a distinctive honor for citizens of Carthage, Missouri who have exhibited the highest qualities, in both their professional and personal lives, in the betterment of Carthage and our country.

The Hall consists of two divisions, one to recognize pioneers & citizens of distinction, the other to honor outstanding athletes.

Those who make the Hall possible

Donors

The Kent D. and Mary L. Steadley Memorial Trust

The John O. Phelps and Carolyn B. Phelps Charitable Fund

Grace Energy Corporation

The Ruth I. Kolpin Foundation

Harry M. Cornell, Jr.

Wendy & James Blair

The Helen S. Boylan Foundation

Dr. Stephen McGaughey

The Putnam Family

Mark & Jennifer McGaughey

Southwest Missouri Bank

Marsh Family Foundation (CCF)

Steve and Mary Jean Beimdiek

Rowell & Corrie Sargeant

Jack and Teri Crusa

Martha M. Smith

Bill and Sharyn Lee

Want to add your name to this list?

Thanks to Stewart Johnson, Michele Hansford and The Powers Museum, The Jasper County Records Center, Nancy Brewer, and the Carthage Press archives for providing the photographs used on the tiles and in the mural. (Some photos by Carl Taylor). Thanks to Abi Almandinger for making historical digital scrapbooks of the inductees.

Oversight Committee Members

Bren Flanigan
(Committee Chair)

Robert Oexman

Ed Barlow

Annie Golden

Chanti Beckham