All things have shifted. Our hearts are a half mast due to the passing of the legend of Hominy, Rex Mantooth. Rex leaves us with an impression that will last many generations. His legacy is reflected in the outstanding prodigy he has left us. Cindy and Jimmy are the two I have met personally and I consider them to be pillars of the Hominy community. As Chaplin of our American Legion Post Rex was always in attendance diligent in serving up our opening prayer. I had the honor of filling in at the last meeting in his absence.

One great memory of recent past was the recognition of Chaplin Rex Mantooth when he was honored in a ceremony at the Osage County Interlocal Cooperative facility on Main Street. He was recognized as Veteran of Session by the House of Representatives and Senate. This honor is usually bestowed at the Capitol but through the workings of our local leadership it was held locally. The list of dignitaries included our Senator Eddie Fields as well as Hominy native and House of Representative for our area Sean Roberts. The list grew as American Legion Commander Charles O’Leary, Vice Commander Steve Swinford, Dick Pope, Jerry Sebert, and this humble correspondent attended. Many family members like Cindy, Jimmy, and friends were there to see the honor.

I am relatively new to the community and Rex made an impact on me with his “out of nowhere” sense of humor. I can’t count how many times he would look up and show me his “special cane” or tell me a story that would have me in stitches. In my mid-career in the USAF I was a Radar Systems Repairman. He told me stories of how he, as an operator, was able to draw raw information from radar readings during WWII around the Panama area (the US was still very paranoid about attacks). His logical estimates of what the radar did not show in exact approaching aircraft proved to be spot on. When his time came to rotate out of station his commander demanded he remain, he was “irreplaceable”. And today with our hearts saddened, he remains irreplaceable. Salute Rex! To our Supreme Commander in Chief, heaven has gained a strong soul in its ranks.

Our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM.  Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in April and May are still scheduled for biscuits and gravy and maybe a waffle or two and always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians).  Keep your eye on the weather in case things have to be postponed. That will be most likely if the storms bring strong winds and lightning. If you are a veteran come on by. If you have a good story it may end up in print. Also keep up with us at website “americanlegion142.org”.