Posted on August 22, 2022 at 12:22 PM by Cade Cameron
Bob grew up on a small farm in eastern Story County, the same farm he lives on today. Bob was a nine-year member of the Colo Champs 4-H club. While in 4-H he was involved in a variety of livestock projects including swine, beef, and sheep. Many of these projects were home-raised and taught him a variety of life lessons as well as the value of hard work. He showed them at both the county and state levels.
After his nine years as a member ended, his direct ties to 4-H faded as he followed his interest in agriculture and mechanics as he pursued a degree in diesel mechanics from Kirkwood Community College. Following his schooling, he worked at several John Deere Dealerships before opening up his own Ag
Mechanics shop at his home. Over the years he helped out numerous local 4-H and FFA members on their own mechanics and welding projects that they would bring by his shop for help.
Bob’s 4-H pathway was rekindled when his two sons reached the age when they could join 4-H. Bob and his family dove headfirst into the beef and swine project areas, becoming more and more involved. In the meantime, Bob became a 4-H Leader for the Country Pioneers 4-H club.
As his sons’ 4-H careers came to an end, Bob’s involvement in the local 4-H did not. He is still a leader of the Country Pioneers 4-H club. He has led them in countless community service projects including building wash racks at the county fairgrounds and installation of a large fan in the pavilion. He also offered a hand when a neighboring 4-H club asked for assistance in installing similar large fans in the swine barns at the county fair. Bob also helps house livestock projects for several local 4-H members.
The third line of the 4-H pledge reads “my hands to larger service”-Bob truly lives that out every day. He has nearly 20 years as the Country Pioneers 4-H club leader and continues to assist club members in any way possible. He has spent over 20 years as a volunteer firefighter for the Colo Fire & Rescue helping serve his community. Bob also spent 10 years as a basketball coach at ColoNESCO Community School District, again building leadership and bettering the youth of the community.
Thank you, Bob, for the many years of service and the dedication you show to the Story County 4-H program and 4-H youth!
