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It’s no surprise the recipient of the 2016 Community Service Award received a standing ovation after his name was called out to the crowd.
Chuck Snell was named the award winner during Osceola Chamber/Main Street and Clarke County Development Corporation’s annual dinner Monday, Jan. 18, at Lakeside Casino.
The theme for the night was “The Stars are Out in Osceola.”
“I only have two things to say, thank you, and,” Snell paused during his speech, “(you) finally put me in a position where I don’t have anything to say. I’m speechless.”
About Snell
Snell, a lifelong resident of Osceola, graduated from high school in 1959. Then, he served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1959 to 1980. When Snell returned to the southern Iowa area, he joined Osceola Volunteer Fire Department and served for 16 years.
“Every once in awhile, you come across an individual who serves and serves and serves, and you never know it because they always serve in the background,” said Pastor Chuck DeVos, the event’s master of ceremonies. “These individuals are the ones who keep things moving forward like a well-oiled machine, but you just don’t realize it because you don’t always see it.”
Service work
Snell also spent a lot of his time helping with Osceola’s Fourth of July celebration in various capacities. He has held many offices within Osceola Lions Club, and would often be found putting in countless hours in the Lions Club food trailer at the Clarke County Fair, Fourth of July festival and other events. (See nomination letter, page 2A).
Snell has also held the position of “Master” two times during his tenure with Osceola Masonic Lodge.
“(Snell) has never walked away from a job that needed to be done, and he was always, always willing to do his part and oftentimes, to go beyond what was technically his part,” DeVos said.
A plaque was given to Snell by Dave Selene, Osceola Chamber/Main Street president.
“As (it’s) been said before by other ones, I am deeply humbled for this recognition,” Snell said. “I guess that’s about it. Thank you.”