Posted on August 21, 2018 at 2:51 PM by Global Reach
Gary was first exposed to 4-H at age 3 when his older brother joined the LeRoy Merry Makers 4-H Club. Seven years later he felt like a “seasoned veteran” when he joined 4-H. Gary was active in the LeRoy Merry Makers club showing dairy and market beef until graduating from high school. 
Both of Gary’s children were active LeRoy Merry Makers members showing sheep, horses, and beef until their graduation from high school.
In 2012, the LeRoy Merry Makers 4-H Club was facing disbanding, with the possibility of only 3 members. Having two grandsons in Decatur County on the farm, Gary was hoping they would be members of his old 4-H club. Rather than disbanding the club Gary became the club leader. The first few years the club had a young group along with many Clover Kids. The club has now grown to over thirty members.
According to Gary, his daughter-in-law is the wheel that keeps the club rolling. I am basically the club leader by title only. The club is one of the oldest in the state and Gary feels good knowing he contributed a little bit to keep it going.
