Among his neighbors, Glenn Lewis was known as an excellent farmer and livestock feeder, a good neighbor, and one who was interested in all aspects of life in rural America. He served in many civic activities in his home community and was known throughout Nebraska for his leadership and for his promotion of the livestock industry.
It is not pleasant to recall the many instances in recorded history when misguided men have condemned, ridiculed or humiliated a living person for his contributions to society, his unusual foresight, and his great concern for his fellow citizens. Fortunately, these mistreated people were eventually recognized and acclaimed for their unusual talents and achievements, but realization of their eminence often came from succeeding generations and not from those who should have appreciated the greatness with which they were fortunate enough to live.
On the other hand, it is particularly satisfying to remember that people have not always made such mistakes. Many other men have been appreciated and respected throughout their lifetime, and their friends and acquaintances have paused on occasion to publicly compliment and honor them for what they are and what they have done.
Why do men feel moved to honor and pay tribute to one of their own? Is it because he has amassed great wealth over and beyond what others can acquire? Is it because he is blessed with a zeal and driving ambition to exceed the excellence of others? Is it because he possesses tremendous mental ability that seemingly places him head and shoulders above everyone else in what is often loosely termed intelligence? No! Not for these reasons; or at least they are not enough.
Men are moved to admire and acclaim a colleague because of high character which often becomes most prominent in times of adversity; for fairness and honesty, both of which prevail unequivocally even though it hurts; for firmness with tact that can turn away difficult situations; for an evident and genuine regard for all others; for a readiness to offer help and advice whenever it is sought; and because a person will unselfishly give generously of his time and talents for the benefit of his friends and neighbors, his community, he state and his nation. These are the attributes that stir the feelings of men and excite their desires to bestow marks of esteem upon one they have known and have come to respect.
Your honoree tonight is such a man whose full life has been dedicated to that which is upright and good. Not only has he set an enviable example in how own community in all things that are worthwhile, but the immediate respect always accorded him by new people he meets is testimony to the evidence of quality and humility.
The services that he has willingly performed for others throughout the years has extended the respect for him into circles far beyond those reached by most men, and have unquestionably been an inspiration to many who have come to know him and be in his company. It is a particular tribute to this man to be chose for special recognition by the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement -- a group that contains many learned and academic scholars -- even though your honoree did not receive formal academic training beyond one year in high school. This is full acknowledgment of the fact that such training, while desirable and helpful, is not always necessary for the development of wisdom and the attainment of stature. These goals can be reached in other ways by those who do not bemoan their deprivations, but vow to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them and the tools they have been given for the acquisition of knowledge.
Without question, the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement has granted some measure of recognition to another tonight. You have paid me no small compliment by asking me to give the citation on this occasion. I regard it as both a privilege and a pleasure to review the life and achievements of your honoree at this time. My only regret is a feeling of inadequacy to fully express my thoughts and admiration for one whom I regard as a close friend, and for whom I have the utmost respect.
I did not know him well until about 1950, but even before that time I felt acquainted because his personality had radiated beyond his physical presence. Since then, I have had the rare opportunity to be with him many, many times, to work with him, to seek his counsel, and learn from him. I congratulate this eminent group for saluting him, and want to join in paying tribute to Glenn Lewis of Exeter, Nebraska.
It would be a grave omission, though, to not include a second important person in this tribute, whose quiet and unassuming contributions to a happy and reverent partnership are beyond measure. No man can reach his fullest attainment without the blessings and comfort of one who encourages him in his work, shares in his joy and successes, is sympathetic in times of misfortune, is always available for counsel and advice, and maintains a pleasant home. Therefore, I take the liberty of extending these remarks to Mrs. Lewis whose faith and strength have unquestionably been an inspiration throughout the years.
This enduring partnership was celebrated only a few weeks ago when it passed the half-century mark, and Glenn and Bertha Lewis -- Budd, as she is affectionately known -- greeted over six hundred friends, many coming from long distances, on the occasion of their golden wedding anniversary.
Though the life of Glenn Lewis has in no way been confined to the business of making a living, his occupation from an early age has been that of farming, cattle feeding, and swine production. While pursuing these necessary responsibilities, he has always found time for participation in, and service to, many community affairs and organizations through which he not only made untold contributions to mankind, but also enriched his own life.
Born in 1895 at Beaver Crossing, Nebraska, Glenn spent his early life in Seward County. His father, Wesley Lewis, was born in Bloomington, Illinois, and his mother Rose Ann Gillan, was born in Bellfano, Ireland. His parents were engaged in farming and livestock feeding after coming to Nebraska, and at an early age Glenn when into business with his father. He attended a rural school in Seward County, and had one year of high school in Cordova, Nebraska.
On October 14, 1916, Bertha Vernice Griffee of Exeter and Glenn Lewis were married, and for a short time lived near Beaver Crossing. In 1918, they moved to their present farm and home near Exeter where Glenn has developed, expanded and modernized a highly successful farming and livestock feeding business.
He sold his first head of livestock -- one pig -- in 1912, and fifty years later -- 1962 -- he was honored as a patron of the Omaha market over a half century. The first cattle he fed consisted of seven head from milk cow stock. He began buying carloads of feeder cattle in 1924 and has not missed feeding cattle in any year since that time. From the early beginning with one pig, he continued raising and marketing hogs. Later the production of hogs with replaced with feeder pigs that were purchased. His hog business was also consistent until it was discontinued in 1965.
While not pretentious from the standpoint of physical facilities, the feeding enterprise that Glenn has developed over the years has all the earmarks of good management. It is adequate, convenient and efficient. This has gradually and carefully been built and put together from the time he started feeding cattle. In that early year he couldn’t afford a new bushel basket to carry grain to his seven calves so he got along with an old paint bucket.
This progressive livestock operator vividly recalls some of the innovations which he employed to keep abreast and improve his productivity. In the 1930’s the grinding of grain, chopping of hay, and the use of silage made a more stable enterprise out of cattle feeding. In 1934 -- one of the unfortunate drouth years -- Glenn remembers hauling corn in bundles some 25 miles in order to fill a silo. Almost from the beginning, he was supplementing home-grown feeds with linseed and cottonseed meal, and doing so at a time when others thought this was not only unnecessary but a mistake.
In 1934, he began running cattle on sweet clover pasture with a full-feed of grain. This practice, though rarely used in those days, proved to be highly successful. Glenn has continued feeding cattle on grass in the summer, but the sweet clover has been replaced with brome grass and alfalfa.
Among his assets and fortunate experiences, Glenn Lewis points with pride to an individual relationship which had its beginning in 1935. That year a young man came to work with him and the pleasant arrangement which began then has endured without interruption until this day -- a period of over thirty years. This harmonious association is one demonstration of the consideration and respect your honoree has for other people. It is also a tribute to Ralph Coates for his loyalty, responsibility, and devotion which prevailed from the beginning and still does.
Throughout the years your honoree has always found and taken time for others and other activities. The Lewis’s have been active consistently in their church, and have been regular attendants of the Congregational Church of Exeter. Glenn has worked in the Exeter Chamber of Commerce for over thirty years and has served as president of that organization. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Shrine, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the American National Cattlemens’ Association, and the Exeter, the Nebraska, and the National Livestock Feeders Associations. He has encouraged, and sometimes initiated, progress of, and improvements in, his home city and community, perhaps the latest being the construction of Memory Manor, a home for senior citizens.
One of the greatest compliments that can be paid to a man is that younger people seek him out for consultation and advice. For many years the experience and suggestions of Glenn Lewis have been sought by young men as they entered the livestock feeding business, or had been thus engaged for a while. No one knows how many young people have come to him throughout the years in search of solutions to their problems, or to avoid pitfalls and mistakes. These young people who attest to the sound advice they always received will tell you they were attracted by something they appreciated even more. They always felt that Glenn was a person they need not hesitate to consult because at any time they had a receptive ear, their confidences were never betrayed, and it was evident at least someone was interested in, and concerned about them.
Being prominently engaged in the livestock business, and genuinely inclined to help others, it was only natural for Glenn Lewis to be intensely interested in the formation and development of livestock feeders associations. These groups had their beginning in the late 1940’s, and were formed by far-sighted people to represent the industry and work in any honorable manner for the improvement of the feeding industry and the general welfare of their members. Even then, it might have been easy to have merely belonged and supported these organizations financially, but such was not the character of Glenn Lewis.
He immediately stepped up to do more than his share, and accepted positions of leadership on frequent occasions. Moreover, he readily assumed responsibilities whenever called upon, and still does. He has always given generously of both his time and talents that the industry might benefit most from these organizations. He has traveled widely and extensively for these groups, and to the best of my knowledge has never received any personal reimbursement thereof. He will tell you that the friends he has made and the experiences he has had were more than adequate compensation, but the fact remains that he was constantly working for others in the industry and the well-being of his fellowmen.
During nearly twenty years, he had willingly served at some time or another on practically every committee that was formed, and still is available for any appointments. In addition, the organizations have called on him frequently for prominent positions and he has always accepted in his modest way. Glenn has served as president of the Exeter Livestock Breeders and Feeders Association, and in 1950 became the second vice preside of the Nebraska Livestock Feeders Association. He was re-elected to that office in 1951, and the next year -- 1952 -- was elected to the presidency.
These were difficult years for a young organization, but the leadership and tenacity of men like Glenn Lewis brought it through initial periods and gave it the stamina and endurance to continue and grow. Glenn retired from the presidency late in 1953, but continued for many years as a member of the Board of Directors. At one time he also served as a director of the National Livestock Feeders Association. He is a member of the Nebraska Breeders and Feeders Association, and at one time served as president of that organization.
In 1960, the National Livestock Feeders Association was accorded a seat on National Livestock and Meat Board in Chicago. Seeking someone to represent them in this capacity, the directors again called on Glenn Lewis. Serving on the Meat Board with his usual excellence, distinction and dedication, he retired from that responsibility this year. In the meantime, though, he had been chosen by this widely represented board to serve three consecutive terms as a member of its executive committee.
Though I am sure the salute to Glenn Lewis by the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement will be among his most cherished experiences, his accomplishments and contributions to mankind have not gone unnoticed until this time. In 1953, the Exeter Chamber of Commerce honored him with their Distinguished Service Award for 1952-53. The same year, he was invited by Swift and Company to take one of its two-week livestock and meat trips to Chicago and points on the east coast. I(n 1955, while recognizing a number of outstanding stockmen throughout the United States, this company presented Nebraskan Glenn Lewis with the Swift Centennial Award.
In 1959, he was chosen by the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Livestock Feeders Association to receive its annual Award for Distinguished Serve to the Livestock Industry. And in 1960, Glenn was the recipient of Ak-Sar-Ben’s Agricultural Achievement Award.
It has been said that a painter with his brush and canvas can only approach and never equal the beauty of nature. Likewise, through words and expression, we cannot describe nor portray the full glory of the life of a man. We can only relate, explain and review those distinguishing qualities for which he is honored and respected.
The contributions that Glenn Lewis has made to society and mankind can never be measured. Fortunate are those who know him and have been touched by him over the years in some manner or means. Fortunate are those who will come to know him in the hears ahead for I am sure they will receive equal inspiration and consideration as all other who have benefited from his being. Fortunate are those who will someday hear about him and be told of his life and his mission on this earth.
This meaningful recognition of Glenn Lewis bestows upon him our highest esteem. Let it be said and remembered that his service, his influence, his work, and his being have made this a better world in which to live.
