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