Recently, Missouri State Representative Robert Ross presented the Houston Lions Club a Missouri House of Representatives Resolution for 80 years of Service to the Houston area. The lions club was chartered on May 28, 1940, by 20 individuals, including the first President, William “Duke” Hiett, Vice President, E.E. Elmer Romines, second Vice President, Ralph Lilly and third Vice President, Fred Forbes. It was incorporated in 1956 by its members, Maurice Covert, W.R. McKnight, Gentry Brown, C.D. Watson, Elmer Murfin, Ivan Mitchell, E.S. Gladden and Nolan Hutcheson.
The Houston Lions Club sponsors and participates in many service projects in Houston and across Texas County. The Houston Lions Club:
- Partners with the Houston School District and sponsors the Houston High School Student of the Month,
- Partners with the Texas County Share Your Christmas Program,
- Provides glasses to children in need in Texas County,
- Sponsors the Annual Texas County Shop with a Hero Program,
- Participates in the Adopt a Highway Program
- Collects and recycles used eyeglasses,
- Partners with the Houston Chamber of Commerce to provide a meeting area,
- Sponsors the Texas County Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, &
- Partners with numerous other organizations across Texas County.
The Houston Lions Club has also had three District Governors from its membership, Don Shelhammer, James Brown and Elmer Murfin.
“The Houston Lions Club officers and members appreciates all of the support we receive from the community. We look forward to being active in Texas County for another 80 years!,” stated Lions Club President Bennie Cook.
Today there are over 46,000 clubs and 1.35 million members world wide. The mission of the Lions Club is: “To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.”
If you would like to join the Houston Lions or need further information, please contact Bennie Cook at 417-260-2382.
