115th Kingdom of Callaway Supper president announced

Attendees fill the dining hall at William Woods University for the 114th Kingdom of Callaway Supper. The meal included ham, Callaway turkey and all the fixings.
Attendees fill the dining hall at William Woods University for the 114th Kingdom of Callaway Supper. The meal included ham, Callaway turkey and all the fixings.

Emails marked "top secret," a close-lipped committee, clandestine meetings during social hour.

It's all part of the lead-up to announcing the next Kingdom of Callaway Supper president.

Bennie Young, of Fulton, will assume the mantle from current President Bill Books.

"We try to get a president every year that's born and raised in the county, and someone that's done a lot for the county," nominating committee chair Ron Atkinson said. "I went to school with Bennie, and I know few people who've done more. His whole life he's been very active in the community."

The president's main duty is tracking down a worthy guest of honor - a Callawegian who's found success beyond the county's borders. The guest of honor then attends the next supper, which serves as a chance to celebrate Callaway County and meet friends old and new.

"I was overwhelmed," Young said of the experience of being chosen. "It was quite an honor."

Born in Fulton to Ben and Frances Young and raised in Hatton, Young has gone to many a Kingdom of Callaway Supper, he said.

Young attended school in the North Callaway School District. That's where he learned about welding.

"My Future Farmers of America advisor got me into welding," Young said. "He mentored me."

During Young's junior and senior year of high school, he attended Mexico's vocational and technical school to learn more about welding. Upon graduation in 1970, he was ready to start his own business.

"I started Young's Welding and Machine right out of high school, when I was 18," Young said.

The business is still thriving today, and now employs eight.

"We have a really good customer base and we're always working on something different," he said. "I've always said you're never too old to learn something new."

Young also started Hatton Vermeer Sales in 1978, a business selling hay equipment.

Young and his wife of 23 years, Meda, have four children and seven grandchildren. Young enjoys square dancing and biking with his family along the Katy Trail.

He's also active in the community. Young helped found the North Callaway Fire Protection District in 1979 and captained it for 22 years. He's been on the Presbyterian Manor advisory council for 12 years and the president of the Presbyterian Cemetery Association for 29. He's also chairman of the board at his home church, Pleasant Grove Methodist. He teaches welding to 4-H participants and supports the Callaway Youth Expo and FFA.

He also built the dunking tank that frequently shows up at county events, Atkinson said.

"I believe small businesses are still the backbone of our country," Young added. "I believe in investing in your community's future by investing in your youth."

Other award winners were also recognized during the evening' program. Our House won the Distinguished Service Award. Stephen McVeigh was this year's guest of honor. David Shively, who moved to Fulton in 1979, accepted the Settler's Award.

Trigger Ragan provided a moving rendition of the National Anthem, followed by musical entertainment from the Callaway Singers.