Yesterday I attended Dr. Ron Lankford’s memorial service. Based on the number in attendance, it was obvious he was highly respected by many others, besides me! I had the privilege of working with him during a year’s leave of absence from Pittsurg State University from 2000-2001, when I joined the staff at R-7 as the director of counseling services.
The highlight of my school year back then, besides working with the students at Webb City High School, was also being able to work with him. I had always heard incredible stories about what a superb superintendent he was, which I quickly saw firsthand for myself! In my 41 years as an educator and now retired, he clearly ranked at the very top in terms of administrators.
I recall walking the hallways with him at the high school and witnessing him not only greeting the students we passed by, but he also knew most of their names! I’ll never forget what a lasting impression that had on me. He was definitely a one-of-a-kind individual!
Our world is truly a better place by having Dr. Lankford on this earth, to share his gifts and talents with others. He will be missed greatly, but his impact and legacy will be felt for decades to come!
Becky S. Brannock
University Professor Emeritus
Pittsburg State University
The loss of two very impactful community leaders recently has caused us to reflect on who they were and the causes they devoted themselves to.
Ron Lankford and Teddy Steen were both close friends of our family. If you knew them, they might seem like polar opposites. Ron was cerebral, professionally polished, and somehow always prepared with a handy spreadsheet, while Teddy was loud, unfiltered and entered every room like a hurricane with her “let’s just get ‘er done!” energy.
However, in reality, they had so much in common. Both were completely devoted to the service of others. Both considered everyone worthy, valued and equal. Both were deeply spiritual. Both were visionaries in their fields (education and addiction recovery). Both believed that every single person matters, regardless of their race, socioeconomic status, political beliefs, gender or lifestyle. Both were optimists. Both looked for opportunities to reach out to, encourage and lift others up. Both personified selflessness and humility. Both worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others.
Ron and Teddy’s energies were devoted to promoting their passions… and they never strayed from their missions.
Right now it is hard to imagine any one person filling the shoes that these two people left behind, but here’s what we can do. We can remember and value them and their impact. We can emulate their optimism. We can adopt their “everyone matters” attitude. We can embrace their passions and continue the good works that they each began. They both literally changed people’s lives…and we can too.
We owe it to them to honor their legacies by rolling up our sleeves and continuing their passionate missions to make our world a better place… for everyone.
Sue and Rick Utter
