Posted on July 26, 2012 at 1:43 PM by Global Reach
Having grown up in Dallas County, Bill Short was a part of an active 4-H family. He and his sisters raised hogs and exhibited them at the county and state levels. As a youth, he served as the county’s 4-H president, and that passion for 4-H only continued throughout his life.
Bill began his career the Iowa State University Extension as the Jasper County Extension Associate. He was Clarke County Extension Director for two years, then became a 4-H Youth Associate for Clarke, Decatur and Ringgold counties. The majority of his career was spent in charge of 4-H and Youth Programs in eight southwestern counties until his retirement in 1986.
Bill always looked forward to working with youth. He spent countless hours guiding 4-H’ers in planning and carrying out their projects goals, preparing exhibits for fairs, and chaperoning various 4-H trips. He loved planning and carrying out the summer and winter 4-H camp programs at the State 4-H campgrounds. He was a judge at numerous county fairs and served as the State Fair 4-H sheep superintendent many years. He introduced interstate 4-H exchange trips and organized an area 4-H Youth Council. He has accompanied 4-H youth to Ak-Sar-Ben, the American Royal, exchange trips, National 4-H Congress as well as conferences at the National 4-H Center.
Being active in the community he served on the Clarke Community school Board, the Osceola Parks and Rec Board, the foundation and Administrative Council Boards of the United Methodist Church and the Osceola County Club Board. Bill has been a 4-H leader, Little League softball and baseball coach, a member of the Clarke Area Arts Council and the American Legion. The Iowa Blood Center recognized Bill as a 10 gallon blood donor.
Bill spends time attending his grandchildren’s activities, watching sports, wood refinishing and collecting antiques. He is a regular volunteer at CROSS Ministries, a Christian-based organization whose purpose is to recover medical supplies and equipment to transport to developing countries throughout the world. This work has given bill much satisfaction and fulfillment in his retirement.
Categories: Clarke
