Posted on August 22, 2022 at 12:25 PM by Cade Cameron
For more years than anyone can count, Danny and Cheryl Purdum of rural Kent have contributed significantly to Union County 4-H and Clover Kids. These programs would not be where they are today without the Purdums’ efforts.
Danny’s involvement began as a 10-year member of Union County 4-H, showing beef cattle and holding various club and county offices. He inherited his commitment to 4-H from his father, Raymond Purdum, who was a long-time club leader and volunteer. Cheryl, on the other hand, was recruited into the 4-H program when the Union County Extension director recognized Cheryl’s love of children and natural talent for working with them.
The couple was leaders of the Douglas Boosters 4-H club when their sons Cody and Casey were members. In addition, Danny served on the Union County Extension Council. Danny also was integral in reviving fund-raising efforts and activities of the Union County 4-H Foundation in the late 1980s.
In 1996, a grant allowed Extension to hire Cheryl to launch the county’s Clover Kids program. Not only did Cheryl train and assist volunteer leaders with programming that was used in community club meetings, but she also created and carried out monthly after-school Clover Kids programs in both Creston and East Union schools. At its peak, the program served serving more than 400 K-3 children, many of whom continued into 4-H and were members throughout high school. In 2004, Cheryl was recognized by ISU Extension with the Pride of Extension – Program Management Award for “outstanding efforts carried out with much originality or creativity by an individual.”
In 2007, Cheryl became county youth coordinator working with both Clover Kids and 4-H programs for an additional eight years. During her tenure, the county launched shooting sports and robotics special-interest clubs. Cheryl worked with County Council, accompanied 4-H members as they traveled to team-building leadership events throughout the state, and guided members in securing grants to build small-animal wash racks for sheep and new pens for the swine barn.
Today, Danny and Cheryl remain involved with the 4-H program as supportive grandparents of eight grandchildren.
In addition to their service to 4-H and Extension, Purdums co-chaired the Greater Regional Hospice House fundraising committee and are members of the Creston Elks Lodge. Danny also served as a director for the Southern Iowa Rural Water Association, Innovative Industries and the Greater Regional Hospital Foundation. Danny retired as president of First National Bank of Creston in 2018. Cheryl is an avid horsewoman, busy grandmother, and has served on the Southern Prairie YMCA board. The couple operates a family farming operation and registered Angus cowherd with son Cody.
