Clifford Borgelt was humble as he took to the podium to accept the Agriculture Community Service Award at the 2014 Town and Country Dinner on Tuesday night.
"A lot of people deserve this more than I do, but I'm glad to have it," Borgelt said with a smile.
Borgelt moved to Callaway County from St. Charles County in 1942, and he received his education in a one-room school house that at one point had 13 students. In 1947, Borgelt graduated from Fulton High School. During his high school career, Borgelt was actively involved in FFA. He went on to earn a Bachelors of Science in agriculture from the University of Missouri then served in the Korean War as an Air Force officer.
He returned home to Callaway County in 1951 and has farmed since. Borgelt told the crowd, which included his family and friends, that has no intention to stop now.
"Well, I don't plan to retire," Borgelt said, noting he would have to be forced to retire to quit farming. "But, right now, I'm feeling pretty good."
When he came back to Callaway County, Borgelt was persuaded to become a chamber of commerce member by Bill Backer, who offered to pay Borgelt's first-year membership.
John C. Harris, former president and chairman of The Callaway Bank, also requested Borgelt to sit on the bank board as an agriculture liaison. When Borgelt asked Harris how long a term length was, Harris humorously replied, "It's a life sentence."
Borgelt would visit with farmers interested in loans because he said in a video that he "understood the problems they were facing and what they wanted to do."
Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Center President Matt Gowin presented Borgelt with the award.
"He's an icon in the farming community," Chamber Director Claudia Starr said.
The chamber also paid tribute to The Callaway Bank - which at 90 years is the longest constant member since the chamber officially formed in March 1924.
Mike Westerfield, Chamber president-elect, said despite tough times including political problems, The Great Depression and other economic struggles, the partnership of The Callaway Bank and chamber has "thrived."
Kim Barnes, president and CEO of The Callaway Bank, accepted the honor.
"We've been honored to be a part of this community for 90 years and we look forward to the next 90 in strong, flourishing Callaway County," Barnes said.
The event, which sold 200 tickets, was held at Cedar Brook Farm in Fulton located on Mokane Road.
The farm was passed down in the family of sisters Cathy Woodson and Cindy Metcalf. It was originally the property of their great grandmother. They run the land now with their husbands Don Woodson and Terry Metcalf.
"It's a part of our family history and heritage," Cathy Woodson said in a video aired at the dinner.
The Woodsons' daughter was recently married on the farm, and two Callaway Bank members attended. While at the reception, they discussed how the venue would be fitting for the upcoming Town and Country Dinner.
"This is a naturally perfect place for Town and Country," Starr said.
Woodson and Metcalf also teamed up with Marty Martin-Forman, Fulton State Hospital's chief operating officer, to provide guests entertainment. The trio performed faith-based and patriotic songs.
The night ended with roasting marshmallows for s'mores at a bonfire.