NARVOL A. RANDOL SR.: A LEGACY OF SERVICE

It's not often a man comes along like Narvol A. Randol Sr. His passing this past week makes a community pause to recognize the many contributions he made to Cape Girardeau.

Randol, who died at age 83, distinguished himself as a steadfast leader in banking, the military, his church and the community. He demonstrated that faith -- in God and oneself -- can work miracles.

He grew up poor after his father died when he was but a toddler. But Randol put himself through Southeast Missouri State University. He also served honorably in the military, enlisting in the infantry as a private and retiring in 1971 as a brigadier general and assistant adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard.

He was elected Cape Girardeau mayor in 1954, serving for two years. Under his leadership, the city became the first in the state to fluoridate its water. He instituted many other positive changes that are still in place today.

He was a dedicated banker for years, helping untold residents purchase new homes and start new busineses. He also served on the Southeast Missouri Hospital board for 31 years, many of those years as president.

The list goes on and on.

He will be remembered as a devoted friend to all of Cape Girardeau, giving of his time and ideas whenever called upon. No matter how busy, he always made time for a good cause. His legacy of service will remain in the good works, fine family and countless friends he leaves behind.