JOHN DENNIS SALUTED AS `SPECIAL PERSON'; RETIRED SENATOR FOCUS OF TRIBUTE BY THE UNIVERSITY

Former State Sen. John Dennis was praised as a "very special person" at a tribute dinner in his honor hosted by Southeast Missouri State University Thursday night.

The tribute was held at the Show Me Center - a building that has become a symbol of Dennis' power and influence during his Senate career.

Former State Rep. Marvin Proffer as House budget chairman teamed up with Dennis to secure funding for the building and other major capital improvements in Southeast Missouri. At the dinner, Proffer recalled a meeting Dennis held with key senators to gain their commitment for funding the center. It was a turning point for the project, he said.

"John Dennis was a very influential person in the Missouri Senate ... a very special person," said Proffer, who praised Dennis' skill and talent in handling legislation and maintaining the respect of his colleagues.

"There are a few times in your life when special people come along - and John Dennis is one of those special people," said Proffer. "We've been very, very lucky in Southeast Missouri and the state of Missouri to have somebody like John.

"John Dennis is one of those special, special people that you really once in a while get to know. And when you do you can follow, and he teaches and you get the chance to really observe. I've had an opportunity to serve with John," said Proffer.

Senate President Pro Tem James Mathewson of Sedalia, one of Dennis' closest friends in the Senate, agreed with other speakers that "John Dennis is that special person."

He too cited the Show Me Center as an example of the former senator's leadership ability and pointed out, "It is absolutely true that this building would not be here today without John Dennis and Marvin Proffer."

Lt. Gov. Roger Wilson, who served 13 years with Dennis in the Senate, praised his former colleague by saying: "John is the epitome of the consummate politician and public servant ... he subscribes vehemently to the idea that once you are elected, you serve everybody.

"He certainly contributed that to everyone in the Senate, and I think he brought all of us to a higher mark."

Wilson urged the audience to continue using Dennis as an example for the younger generation. Wilson recalled how as a youth he missed the opportunity to go to Independence and meet former President Harry Truman.

"I would like to make sure this community doesn't make that mistake," said Wilson. "As much as possible, I want you to make sure your children and grandchildren get the chance to visit with John Dennis.

"That man's got something for all of us, and it is something that is a product of this community and it needs to be passed on."

Proffer noted that Dennis was a true leader in the Senate because he knew how to work with people. "You are a true leader," Proffer said. "Senators went to him and asked for advice, and he in turn always treated everybody as if they were a gentleman."

Proffer also joined other speakers in thanking Dennis' wife Myrtle and about two dozen family members on hand for their sacrifices during his 40 years of public service. "You gave up a lot - John gave us a lot," said Proffer.

Southeast President Kala Stroup, who served as master of ceremonies, said, "John Dennis always treated his offices as public trust. He was and is a loyal member of the Democratic Party but he also has always cooperated with members of the other party when that cooperation would benefit his constituents and the public."

On behalf of the university, Stroup accepted a bust of Dennis, which she said will be displayed permanently at the entrance of the Show Me Center.

Mathewson explained that the significance of the bust was to help insure "future generations would remember this special person that came our way.

"He is that very, very special person that we're all honored to get to know. This bust...exemplifies the feeling that members of the Missouri Senate had for John Dennis. It's the only bust that's ever been given to a state senator - ever."

Mathewson said Dennis was known affectionately by colleagues as "the great one, the benevolent one, his eminence. When John Dennis stood on the floor and presented a bill, mark it down, it passed because we all had such respect for him."

Mathewson also said the only reason he was elected president of the Senate four years ago was because "John Dennis said it was OK. That's the truth."

Eighth District U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson was unable to attend, but sent a letter that noted: "With John Dennis his constituency always came first. He didn't allow a partisan position or political struggles to stand between him and his overall objective of serving the people who elected him. As Scott County sheriff and as a state senator, the compassion that John Dennis displayed, his understanding of the needs, the wants and frustrations of the common person were exemplary."

Dennis responded to the evening of praise with brief remarks, thanking everyone for the kind words, and responding with barbs to some jokes and stories that had been told about him.

Dennis reflected on the close friendships he developed as a member of the Senate, and how much that meant to him over the years. "There is no way I can explain to this group of people about our Senate. It's a fine group of people, they are really true people. I never had an argument with any of them."

In his comments, Dennis singled out some people in the audience, including Peter Kinder, who was elected to succeed him in the Senate last November. "The very best to you...I congratulate you and hope your tenure in office will be happy and successful," he said. And if I can help you in any way, let me know."

Dennis served 24 years as Scott County sheriff before winning the first of four Senate terms in 1976.