Two very familiar faces will be leading the 2008 Missouri Day Parade. In recognition of their contribution to the Fowler community, Wilma Gager and Charles Buck have been selected by the Missouri Day Association as this year’s parade marshals.

Gager and Buck are probably best know in the Arkansas Valley for their time spent as co-publishers of the Fowler Tribune. First acquired by the Buck family in 1909, the Fowler Tribune remained family owned and operated until 1996 when the two retired and sold it to Karren “Sparky” Turner. However, during their time at the paper and in the twelve years since retirement both have been active in the community in various capacities.

Wilma Gager, the epitome of humility and grace, is a little unsettled at being honored with the title of parade marshal. “Who am I to deserve that,” she comments. “It’s an honor.”

While at the Tribune Gager says she and her brother Charlie were involved in almost everything that went on in the community. “We got to share the good times with people and some of the not so good times,” she says. And, it is the people she says she misses most since leaving the paper.

“Fowler is a wonderful place to live,” she adds and notes that her great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn, is the seventh generation of the Buck family to live in Fowler.

Gager loved her work with the paper and especially enjoyed covering Missouri Day each year. “I’ve probably been to more Missouri Days than almost anyone else,” she laughs. One of her favorite parts was the baby contest. “It was always fun to see the cute babies,” she said.  She also recalls the many times it rained on Missouri Day, especially the dances. “Those were fun times watching the cowboys out there dancing in the rain.”

Gager is an active member of the First Baptist Church and also volunteers her time with the Fowler Museum.

“We are so proud of her,” says daughter-in-law, Val Gager. “She is an amazing woman and I’ve learned a lot from her.”

Charles Buck, known as Charlie, is fondly remembered by many as being on hand with his camera at nearly every event and happening in Fowler up until his retirement in 1996.

Buck says he misses it all, dealing with the people, calling on the advertisers, taking pictures. “I think the thing I miss the most though is the people who came bringing news week in and week out, and were always friendly,” he says, “It’s the people that make the paper go.”

Buck recalls covering the news of the community including joyous events and tragic accidents. “Many of those things weren’t too pleasant but they were part of the newspaper work. It went with the job.”

Beyond his work at the paper, Buck could be found around town involved in his church, Fowler First Baptist, serving on the Boy Scout committee, or filling in as the Easter Bunny at the Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg hunt (his favorite). He was also a charter member of the Fowler Jaycees and a member of the Fowler Lions Club.

Looking forward to Saturday’s parade and visiting with old friends Buck, who now lives in Pueblo, says, “It is a great honor. I am very honored that the association picked Wilma and I for this.”

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