Citizen of the Year
We are proud to announce that the 2026 Morning Sun Citizens of the Year are the American Legion & Auxiliary!
Previous Citizens of the Year
(1975) Dorthea Moore, (1976) Marjorie McClure, (1977) Bill McElhinney, (1978) Cleora McClukin & LeRoy Pierce, (1979) Charles Beck, (1980) Don & Esther Callahan, (1981) Harold & Francis Thomas, (1982) Verne & Nellie Wilson, (1983) Eva May Corey, (1984) George & Mary Ellen Griffith, (1985) John & Millie Caldwell, Jack & Jan Hamilton, (1986) Raymond & Jacine Edwards, (1987) Robert K. Nichols, Sr., (1988) Harold & Nancy McElhinney, (1989) Marguerite Edwards, (1990) Dean & Sue Anderson, (1991) Ernest & Harriet McElhinney, (1992) Dick & Barb Sands, (1993) Joan Delzell, (1994) Verla Blair, (1995) Irene Krieger, (1996) E.K. (Jeep) Hamilton, (1997) Kyle Wilson, (1998) Robert Evans, (1999) Marjorie Carr, (2000) Archie Wolfe, (2001) Doris Harris, (2002) Virginia Wymore, (2003) Howard Hobbs, (2004) Flossie Hamilton, (2005) Lillian Sellers, (2006) Doug & Ann Lee, (2007) Alan Giese, (2008) Geneva Samuels, (2009) Kent & Kirk Delzell, (2010) Dr. Raymond Dill, (2011) Philip Delzell, (2012) Beverly Karagin, (2013) Connie Malone, (2014) Tammy Nelson, (2015) Tom & Sue Bryant, (2016) Fran & Dick McElhinney, (2017) Beth Shenpolk, (2018) Virginia Johnson, (2019) MSFD, (2020) No celebration due to Covid, (2021) Keith & Deb McElhinney, (2022) Bob Buckman, (2023) Gerri Wolfe, (2024) Dana Royer, (2025) Bill Rice, (2026) American Legion & Auxiliary
American Legion
& Auxiliary
Terry & Pamela
Butler
Roger H.
Delzell
American Legion & Auxiliary Members
In this very special year as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, we are honored to nominate the members of the Hays Scott Post 112 American Legion and Auxiliary as Citizens of the Year.
The freedoms we enjoy today were made possible through the sacrifice, service and dedication of the brave men and women who answered our nation’s call. Their
commitment to protecting our country has allowed generations of Americans to live, work and celebrate in freedom.
Each year these remarkable individuals proudly lead our community’s Fourth of July parade, serving as a visible reminder of the courage, patriotism and selflessness that have shaped our nation. They work closely with the students attending Morning Sun School to encourage our young people to learn about and honor those who have served our country. Through these efforts, they help instill patriotism, respect and civic pride in future generations. Their continued involvement in our community, their support of fellow veterans, and their dedication to preserving the values of our country make them truly deserving of this recognition.
As we commemorate America’s 250th birthday, it is especially fitting to honor those whose selfless service, unwavering patriotism, sacrifice and continued commitment to our community, we are honored to nominate the members of Hays Scott Post 112
American Legion and Auxiliary as Citizens of the Year.
Carrie Wymore & family
Marie
Woodrow
Dear Citizen of the Year Voters,
As a girl in 1966 Marie Lambert won best of show for home-grown flowers in the 4-H division of the achievement day held at Sharon Church. Her flowers were chosen
to be displayed in the Go-Getters 4H Booth in the Women’s Building of the Burlington Hawkeye Fair.
Perhaps then, it is no surprise that Marie (Lambert) Woodrow now runs the Morning Sun 4th of July Flower Show, named the Ola Lambert Memorial Flower Show, in honor of Marie’s mother. It must have been hard to step into Ola’s shoes when it came to running the flower show, but clearly Marie was taught well! The flower show is a popular activity for all ages to enter, to wander through and to enjoy. Marie has worked hard to maintain its popularity.
Marie might be described as the “quiet type”, but that description belies her devotion to her faith and her church -- the Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Marie has been an active teacher and leader within the Sabbath Evening Bible Club and Vacation Bible School for years. She has an amazing work ethic, having worked
hard in the lunchroom of the Morning Sun School and then at Subway. And of course, she is John’s widow and a mom, now a grandma – all roles she takes seriously!
It is with great pleasure that I nominate Marie Woodrow for the 2026 Citizen of the Year for Morning Sun.
Kathy Jolly Vance
It is my honor to nominate Terry and Pamela Butler for Citizen of the Year.
Together, they have spent countless years serving the Morning Sun community with
generosity, dedication, and kindness. They truly represent the heart of what makes our town special.
Terry Butler has continuously supported community events and organizations. He has served the Fourth of July celebration by leading the tractor rodeo. Terry has also generously donated hogs for community meals, especially in support of the Fire Department, helping bring people together while supporting those who serve and protect our town.
Pamela Butler has also devoted much of her life to serving others. She has faithfully served as the organist at First United Presbyterian Church, sharing her
musical talents and helping lead worship for many years. Pamela also served the community as Library Director, where she worked to make the library a welcoming and valuable place for residents of all ages. Most recently, she volunteered as a
narrator for the Cemetery Walk, helping preserve and share the rich history of Morning Sun.
Together, Terry and Pamela have both faithfully served their church as core committee members, elders, deacons, and greeters. Their willingness to serve wherever needed demonstrates their deep commitment to both their faith and their community.
Terry and Pamela Butler are outstanding examples of the caring, hardworking, and community-minded spirit that defines Morning Sun. Their years of service have positively impacted countless lives, and they are truly deserving of this recognition.
Sincerely,
Amie Herrick
Vote for Roger H. Delzell for the 2026 Citizen of the Year
It might be his constant smile that you remember the most when you think about Roger H. Delzell, and I would like to nominate him for the 2026 Citizen of the Year.
Behind that smile is a hard worker, born and raised in Morning Sun. He is a faithful church member and volunteer, a hard-working member of the community and local organizations. It certainly makes him a natural in the many volunteer activities he takes on at the First United Presbyterian Church in Morning Sun. If he is a greeter or an usher the morning you attend, he will flash that smile and make you feel like you belong.
Perhaps that friendly smile is what made him so successful on the sales floors of the Delzell dealerships. He always demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment to serving others.
Roger and his late wife Nancy, built and began the Dairy Barn as a summertime ice cream destination in Morning Sun. The Dairy Barn has become more than just a place to enjoy ice cream, it has become a gathering place where families, friends and visitors can come together and enjoy our small town community spirit.
You may have seen that smile and personality when he served as the MC for the Alumni Banquet, giving live commentary during Fourth of July parades or delivering cookie plates during the holiday season.
Roger H. Delzell is a wonderful example of Morning Sun nice. He brings kindness and generosity, dedication and pride to our town every day. Morning Sun is a better
place because of Roger and his lifelong service to this community.
Beth Shenpolk