Poplar Bluff lost one of its most dedicated champions this week.
Former police officer and mayor Ed DeGaris passed away Wednesday.
DeGaris was not someone who sought attention for his good deeds. He simply served wherever he saw a need.
Whether that was 33 years as a police officer, 12 years on the city council, or filling needs with the Butler County Community Resource Council, Rodgers Theatre, Downtown Poplar Bluff and many other organizations, DeGaris was known as someone who was available and willing to lend a helping hand.
The progress our community has made in the last few years would not have been as significant without the work of DeGaris.
Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission officials may have put it best Wednesday when they shared, “He was a joy to work with and led by example.”
DeGaris was recognized in 2018 as the CRC Person of the Year, where David Wyman, another CRC volunteer, gave the keynote address.
Wyman noted the problems of the world can sometimes make us want to throw our hands up.
“It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep darkness at bay,” Wyman said, quoting J.R.R. Tolkien. “Small acts of kindness and love.”
DeGaris’ light shined bright in Poplar Bluff.
We need more DeGarises in our world. People who seek to create, build and strengthen our communities, and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty along the way.
But we know his example has already inspired countless others to step up and make our community better, and will continue to do so.