On Friday, we received word that one of the shining lights of Neosho, Walter Fausett, had passed away.

Walter, along with his wife, Marjorie, were fixtures in Neosho’s Big Spring Park. Each weekday during the growing season, before the sun became too hot, you could see the pair of them tending the flowers, picking up twigs and other litter, and doing other small things to improve the park.

It was strictly a labor of love for them, as they volunteered to do it and didn’t receive a penny for their efforts. Knowing the Fausetts like we did, they wouldn’t accept pay or reward if it was offered.

The past few weeks, we have seen a number of shining lights suddenly wink out or fade away.

We sometimes wonder what happens when a Walter Fausett or a Claude Fuller or an A.W. Lavender or a Larry Talley or any of the countless others who have gone before dies, who will step up and take their place? Who will volunteer their time to serve others without thought of pay or reward? Who will take an interest in their community?
It seems someone always steps forward, someone always takes up the baton to run a leg of the race, someone always fills the shoes of those who have gone before.

On Monday, you’ll read about a local Cub Scout troop’s efforts to improve a local Civil War cemetery.

Later on this month, we will present “Vision 2008: Neosho’s Generation Next,” which will have stories about men and women striving to make Neosho and the surrounding area a better place for all of us.

So yes, others are stepping up to the plate, others are giving of themselves to serve others and their communities.

It’s called the circle of life. And it’s been going on for thousands of years.

We remember the efforts of the “old guard.” And we thank them for their work over the years.

But let us also thank the ones who are filling in while they are here to reply “You’re welcome.”

DAILY NEWS