Rocky Evans, a lineman for Atchison-Holt Electric Cooperative, Rock Port, was honored with the A.C. Burrows Award by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC) at the organization’s annual meeting October 11 in Branson. The purpose of the award is to recognize directors and employees of electric cooperatives for outstanding service to their cooperative, community and service areas. Those who received the award were selected because of their leadership above and beyond the call of duty to strengthen and improve the economic and social conditions in their areas.

Rocky began his career at Atchison-Holt in February 1977. When he started, he worked under the supervision of some of the toughest men he had ever known — men who fought in World War II and the Korean War. After 40 years, it became more than just a hard job and his fellow employees were like family to him.

As a journeyman lineman, it was important for Rocky to stress to the young men that they start each day with a clear and open mind and to always ask questions and talk things through. Rocky attended numerous schools and training during his more than 40 years as a lineman. When his children were younger, he enjoyed coaching youth baseball and softball and he served as an active member in the local Youth Optimist Club. Rocky has been a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 25 years, where he served as Master for four years, and is a member of the Rock Port United Methodist Church.

The award is named for the late Audrian Cleon Burrows of Van Buren, Missouri, who rose through the ranks to become general manager of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, which is the statewide service organization for Missouri’s 48 electric cooperatives. Burrows served in this position from 1968 to 1976. He was recognized as an outstanding leader in rural electrification and as a distinguished individual who dedicated his life to helping others.

The Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Jefferson City, is the statewide service organization for Missouri’s electric cooperatives.