Frank Graham

    Missouri
    2004

    Director of Missouri 4-H

    Columbia, Missouri

    In the early forties, Frank Graham helped pitch the University of Missouri-Columbia baseball team to victory in the 1941 and 1942 Big Six Championships. Yet, the native of Fair Grove, Mo., turned down a professional baseball contract after graduating to begin work for University of Missouri Extension in 1942. During his 33 years in Extension, he worked in Lawrence, Wright, and Johnson county offices before joining the state 4-H office, where he would later serve as director of Missouri 4-H for nearly 20 years.

    In 1999, the Missouri 4-H Foundation, which Graham helped establish, celebrated it 50th anniversary. As the last surviving member of the eight original founders, Graham was honored by the Foundation with the Frank Graham 4-H Leadership Fund. More than $50,000 was raised in honor of Mr. Graham. Graham served longer than anyone else as director of 4-H and youth development in Missouri; thus, without a doubt, influenced tens of thousands of 4-H youth and volunteers to make the most of their talents and resources.

    Leadership experiences include:

    • Chairman of the National Extension Committee on Organization & Policy (ECOP) 4-H and youth sub-committee
    • Chairman, National 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees
    • Chairman, Missouri Council of Children & Youth
    • Boone County Presiding Commissioner
    • President, Boone County Historical Society
    • Instructor of physical training for paratroopers at Fort Benning, GA during World War II

     

    Quote

    “Over the years, especially in the 4-H program, volunteer leaders have been the main anchor for the young people outside of the home, school and church,” said Graham. “In this capacity, they’ve helped young people become well-rounded individuals and responsible adults.”
    “During the many years that Mr. Graham served as state 4-H director, and for many years after, he was recognized statewide as Mr. 4-H.” says Don Henderson, executive director of the Missouri 4-H Foundation. “His foresight and leadership has helped raise millions of dollars in support of Missouri 4-H.”

    My 4-H Story