LETTERS: MEMORY WILL LINGER ON

To the editor:

Many quotes can be applied to families as well as individuals. "Never blow your own horn" is certainly one the Russell Dearmont and late Oliver family lived by. Both were prominent, very modest and showed extreme dignity.

My mother and father were among guests at Russell Dearmont and Marguerite Oliver's wedding held at the Oliver home on North Ellis Street. It was carried out in such an elegant manner that private carriages were sent to pick up the invited guests. The year was the early 1900s.

Russell Dearmont became one of the finest presidents Southeast Missouri State College ever had. Under his leadership, the college grew to great heights. He once remarked to my father, "I believe in being firm in everything I do, but kindness and a level head are the keynote." Russell Dearmont was credited for much of the growth of Southeast, and his memory lives on.

Just recently, his daughter, Marguerite Dearmont Lewis of Tulsa, departed this life to enter her eternal home. Being very influential in the medical field as well as the mission field and travelling extensively, she followed in her father's footsteps in accomplishing much.

It is for sure her memory will linger long among many people. She never blew her own horn.

PAULA E. KEMPE

Cape Girardeau