The late Tom Knierim, Rock Port, Missouri, has been posthumously selected for the MU Extension Leaders Honor Roll. Pictured are MU Extension Field Specialist Jim Crawford with Peggy Knierim, Dorothy Knierim, Shawn and Elizabeth Knierim, and their children. (MU Extension photo)

Tom Knierim has been posthumously selected for the MU Extension Leaders Honor Roll. The Leaders Honor Roll recognizes outstanding leaders and volunteers who have supported and helped to advance MU Extension in their communities. Tom was recognized as the 2021 Leaders Honor Roll recipient at the Atchison County Extension Council annual dinner and meeting on February 8, 2022. Tom passed away at age 67 on December 11, 2021.

Tom served on the Atchison County Extension Council for four, two-year terms. He served on the Endowment committee for seven years and the Marketing committee for four years. He also helped the council operate the food stand at the Atchison County Fair, serving as grill master on several occasions.

Tom made his largest contribution to Atchison County Extension by serving on the Endowment committee. The council wanted a way for local citizens to give back to MU Extension in Atchison County to help provide support for the office as well as expanded programming for citizens of the county. Tom helped organize the Atchison County Extension Foundation and served as the chairman for the first six years. He assisted in developing the bylaws, recruiting members and completed the work to make the foundation a 501c3.

“The idea of a local endowment would never have become a reality without Tom’s hard work and leadership,” said Jim Crawford, MU Extension Field Specialist in Agricultural Engineering.

Selection for the Honor Roll is based on community leadership efforts that support MU Extension’s efforts to enhance economic viability, build strong individuals, families and communities, and create and sustain healthy environments. Each fall, county engagement specialists work with county faculty and staff to identify one or two outstanding leaders, or couples, to represent their county.

If you would like to donate to the endowment that Tom created in his honor, please send your contribution to Atchison County Extension, 201 Highway 136 East, Rock Port, MO 64482. Checks can be made out to the Atchison County Extension Foundation. All contributions are tax deductible.