2019 INDUCTEES

World War II Pilots

World War II Pilots—Duane Houk, Bobby Adams, Kenneth Gaines, Ray Gene Crocker, Elden Kesterson, and brothers Mike and Frank Costello (all graduates of Fair Grove High School) signed up for flight training during World War II. Almost all completed the program, although at least one was assigned to other duty because of a need for more ground troops. During the war, these men were sent on numerous missions, knowing each time that they might not make it back alive.

Photo: Ken Gaines, 2019. Article by Springfield News Leader.

I.W. Wingo

I. W. Wing was a teacher/principal at Fair Grove starting about 1909 and later became superintendent during the 1920s. He served Fair Grove Schools for about 20 years in total.  He was also the Vice-President of the Bank of Fair Grove in 1914. 

Samuel W. Headlee

Samuel W. Headlee was born in Tennessee in 1823 and emigrated to Greene County, Missouri in 1836. He was a captain in the Union Army during the Civil War and was the commander of  the Union post at Fair Grove during the latter part of the war. After the war, he was elected state representative and then state senator, representing the area that included FG. He ran unsuccessfully for Lt. Governor of Missouri. He lived in the Hickory Barrens area, but remained associated with FG as well, even after the war. Mr. Headlee passed away on February 6, 1900. 

Jason Hart

Jason Hart was an outstanding baseball player at Fair Grove and was drafted by the Braves out of high school in 1995, but it was after he left FG that he really made a name for himself. He went to Missouri State instead of turning pro and set career Bears records for home runs and RBIs, even though he played only three seasons. Jason was then drafted in the 5th round in 1998 and subsequently starred in the low minors. He was slowed by an injury but eventually reached the big leagues for a cup of coffee with the Rangers in 2002.

Blanche Carter

Blanche Carter taught business and typing at Fair Grove High School for many years during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s & 1980’s.

Velzie Hood

Velzie Hood lived in Fair Grove for 65 years. In the 1920s, he joined his father running the Hood and Son store, which sold groceries, feed, gasoline, and about anything else you could want. Later Velzie took over the business and ran it with his wife, Oletes, until the late 1960s. It sold mostly groceries in the latter years and was known as Hood’s Grocery Store. Velzie was a member of the FG Lion’s Club and the FG Methodist Church.