Most years during the busy session, amidst the debates and committee hearings, a wonderful thing happens — the Missouri General Assembly, in its exclusive way, honors some of our fellow Missourians, past and present.
In 2014 Cedar County mourned the loss of Deputy Sheriff Matthew Chism. Deputy Chism was shot and killed following a vehicle pursuit and foot chase in El Dorado Springs.
This year the Legislature passed Senate Bill 625, honoring Deputy Chism’s sacrifice by designating a portion of State Highway 32, inside the city limits of Stockton, as the “Deputy Sheriff Matthew E. Chism Memorial Highway.”
While the naming of this highway can in no way repay to his family the debt this state owes him, it will serve as a reminder to us of the sacrifices law enforcement officials make every day throughout our state and country.
Honored this year as well was Leroy Van Dyke. A portion of U.S. Highway 50 in Pettis County was designated as the “LeRoy Van Dyke Highway” through the passage of House Bill 2591.
Mr. Van Dyke was born in Mora, Missouri, in 1929 and currently lives on a ranch near Sedalia. He first achieved country music fame in 1956 with his hit song “The Auctioneer” and for his song “Walk on By.”
His many accolades include being called the Country Music Singer of the Decade for the 1960s by music industry experts. He also served his country in Korea as a special agent with the U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Corps.
Both Deputy Sheriff Chism and Mr. Van Dyke each have made Missouri a better state because of their contributions. I am very happy the Legislature chose to honor these two Missourians.