Story and photos by Roger Allen
The Montezuma Lions Club honored eight of its members for their volunteerism at the club’s annual Christmas dinner and program, Monday night, Dec. 11.
Continuing a tradition, it was held at the United Methodist Church, with a crew of church members serving the meal.
Club President Boyd Sparks served as master of ceremonies. Entertainment was provided by professional pianist Terrence Blain.
Honors Presented
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Warren Coleman Honorary Award to four Lions members who received their first Coleman award, and four who received the Progressive Coleman Award, for whom it was their second time to receive this recognition.
Receiving their first award were Dean Teeselink, Eddie Pierson, Ted Morelock and Rick Talbert. Those receiving the progressive honor were Michael Princer, Bill Schultz, Jerome Sheets and Roger Cox, each of whom are active participants in the Lions’ cornea tissue transport program.
Coleman Award History
Prior to its presentation, Club Secretary Roger Allen gave a presentation about the Coleman award history and “Who Was Warren Coleman?” Born in 1906, he was a lifetime resident of Oskaloosa, where he was an active Lion.
In 1957-58 he served as a Lions District Governor, which was the year what is now called the Iowa Lions Foundation brought to reality the Iowa Lions Eye Bank in cooperation with University of Iowa hospitals … to be funded by donations from each of the approximately 400 Lions clubs in Iowa.
This meant someone would be needed to receive, deposit and keep detailed records of each club’s donation – and Warren Coleman (assisted by his sister, Dorothy), volunteered to be that person. And he meticulously did this, all by pen and pencil, for 30 years! Lion Allen commented, “I feel safe in saying Warren Coleman devoted more volunteer hours to the Lions of Iowa than anyone else ever has, or ever will!”
When it became time for the records to be computerized and maintained at the state Lions office in 1988 the Iowa Lions Foundation created the Coleman award to honor his exemplary service and to provide a vehicle for recognition of other Lions for their volunteerism.
Warren and his sister were recipients #1 and #2 of the Coleman award. In the 35 years since, more than 4,860 Lions have been recipients.
Warren was a resident at Montezuma Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for his final years, and died there July 4, 2000 at age 93.
