OLIVER THIRD GENERATION OF SILVER BEAVER

NEW MADRID -- A third-generation Silver Beaver award was bestowed on Cape Girardeau attorney John L. Oliver Jr. at the Southeast Missouri Boy Scout Council annual awards dinner Thursday night.

The Silver Beaver is the highest honor that a Boy Scout council can award an adult volunteer.

"A third-generation award rarely happens anywhere. This marks the first time our council has given such an honor," explained Scout Executive Mark Wappel. "It shows a strong Scout heritage."

In fact, Oliver was awarded the very same medal that was given to both his father, Jack, and his grandfather, Allen.

All three Olivers have served as council presidents. John Oliver served the past two years as SEMO Council president. He handed over the gavel Thursday night to Dr. Robert Gardner, also of Cape Girardeau.

Judge Lewis Blanton of Sikeston and Larry Swindle, vice president of Boatmen's Bank in Kennett, were also recognized with Silver Beaver awards Thursday night.

Wappel praised Oliver for his years of Scouting contributions. He credited Oliver's leadership with the fact the council won several regional and national awards this year. Those awards were also announced at the Thursday night dinner.

"Our 14-county council received the E. Urner Goodman Award for Order of the Arrow," said Wappel. "We were first in the region in terms of honorary camping programs for Scouts at Camp Lewallen in 1990."

Out of 43 councils, the Southeast council had the highest percentage of Scouts attending summer camp. The percentage was more than 70 percent, said Wappel.

The Southeast Council also won the Quality Council Award, a national honor. It honored the council for outstanding achievement in membership, finance, program, and service to Scout units. The award was especially meaningful because the criteria was increased this year, said Wappel.

"It was the toughest criteria yet, but we were able to achieve eight out of eight objectives," he said.

The council was also recognized for its 50th year of incorporation.

Wappel said Oliver was a very effective president for the council these past two years. "The reason we won these awards was due to the support John gave the council," he said. "His term marked the first time the council had a full staff of professionals serving all districts at the same time. It allowed us to serve more boys, youths and leaders," said Wappel.

Currently, the 14-county Southeast Missouri Council serves 7,411 youths, lead by 1,200 volunteer leaders.

Although retiring as president, Oliver will remain on the board as past president and nominating committee chairman.

"John has been a great long-time supporter and friend of Scouting," added Wappel. "He basically gives his heart to the program and, as a result, many people have benefited."

All three generations of Olivers also played an integral role in selecting a new Scout executive during their terms as president.

Oliver and his wife, Debi, have three children: John L. Oliver III, Brandi Schumacher and Daric Schumacher.

He joined Scouts as a boy, working his way through the ranks. He served on the Camp Lewallen staff as a boy and earned the rank of Eagle. He also served as a troop leader. Oliver first served on the executive board of the SEMO Council from 1970-76 and returned to the board in 1986.

Oliver is currently a member of the Missouri State Highway and Transportation Commission.

He was graduated with honors from Yale University; and graduated valedictorian from University of Missouri-Columbia law school.

In addition to Scouting, Oliver has been active in many other civic organizations including American Cancer Society, Area Wide United Way, Cape Girardeau historical commission, Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown Rotary Club. He is also active in the First Presbyterian Church and the Cape Girardeau Country Club.