Posted on August 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM by Anna Egan
Lee Crock has been a lifelong member and dedicated leader in the Cedar County 4-H program. A former member of the Pork Center Don Juan 4-H Club—now known as the Pork Center Pioneers—Lee has served as a club leader for over 30 years. After graduating from Iowa State University, he returned home to farm and joined his father, Jim, as an assistant leader. Alongside co-leaders Tom Fitzgerald, Tom Thimmes, and countless committed 4-H’ers and families, Lee helped shape the club into what it is today.
Lee has always prioritized giving back to the fairgrounds and the community. Under his leadership, the club completed numerous service projects, including building the pavilion south of the cattle arena, constructing the wash rack near the swine barn in memory of McKale Morgan, adding new gate latches in the swine barn, and planting trees around the fairgrounds. The club also assembled bleachers at the Mechanicsville ball fields, decorated cookies and caroled at the Mechanicsville Care Center each December, purchased and built a Gaga Ball Pit, and completed their largest project—cementing the alleyway in the new cattle building.
One of Lee’s favorite club events is the June meeting, a club tour where members host visits at their homes to showcase their projects. He enjoys seeing the hard work and pride members put into their efforts.
Lee is fondly remembered by members for his encouraging “Good job” and signature pat on the back. His favorite saying captures his philosophy:
"4-H is about more than the ribbons and awards—it’s about the people, experiences, life-long skills, memories, the county fair, being a role model, giving back, and Making the Best Better."
