When trying to write a tribute to someone who has recently deceased, it may be more appropriate to go back to a happier time when the subject of the tribute was alive and being honored. In that regard, a member of the Jenks Sertoma Club was kind enough to share the text of the speech made about J. H. "Pete" Tumelson during a ceremony approximately six years ago that honored him when he was awarded the Sertoma club's service to mankind award. Following is that text.
"When you travel to Jenks America, take time to stop in at City Hall or the Jenks Restaurant or the Chamber of Commerce, the businesses along Main Street, attend a local civic club meeting or visit the Riverview Association for Retarded Citizens. Ask the civic leaders, the business owners, the volunteer organizations -- ask the long time residents of Jenks this question: 'If you could bestow the honorary title of Mr. Jenks to but one individual, who would you choose?'
The answer does not vary, nor does it take considerable thought. You see, in Jenks, if you need something done, virtually anything done for the betterment of the community, simply call on Mr. John Harold 'Pete' Tumelson.
Pete is truly one of those special people we all strive to emulate, but very few of us can equal. His story is one of enthusiastic dedication to a community and its people.
Pete Tumelson retired from business in 1973 -- and then he really got busy!
It was about this time Pete began volunteering for the Riverview Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc., an organization providing gainful employment to about 60 developmentally disabled adults who can not work in most private businesses. Pete's role as volunteer quickly expanded and in 1983 he agreed to serve on the RARC Board of Directors. Almost immediately he was emersed in the sizeable effort to acquire a new facility and retro fit the property to meet the needs of the RARC.
Pete led the drive to raise money and secure needed materials and services to complete the $300,000 project. A few years later, the board decided to open a thrift store to sell donated items and provide a steady income for the program.
Extensive renovation was needed for the little shop, from hanging doors to repairing the plumbing; from patching the ceiling to painting the walls -- Pete was there to ensure that the work was done! Later, the thrift store had to be relocated and again, Pete provided the enthusiastic manpower to get the job finished.
Over the years the program flourished and in 1993 the board undertook a project to double the size of its facility. Again Pete undertook the responsibility to write letters, speak with business owners, educate the community, all in order to secure the support, funding, materials and services needed to successfully complete the expansion.
And lest you think that Pete only concerns himself with the 'big' projects, RARC Executive Director, Linda Groth explained that Pete typically comes by the shop two or three times a week just to make sure everything is OK. His weekly visits include mowing grass, trimming trees, repairing fences, installing lights, repairing the plumbing -- the list is endless. He is truly their Mr. Fixit. Oh yes, and at the annual Christmas party, guess who plays Santa Claus?
Sertoma's recognition of Mr. Tumelson for his thousands of hours of volunteer work on behalf of the RARC would be very fitting and well deserved, but that's only part of the story.
Even before his retirement, Pete was active in Jenks' civic affairs and was the primary outspoken proponent as a member of the Chamber of Commerce during the 1960s.
In 1961, Pete served as Chamber President and dedicated the Health Center, a new bank, and the new driver's license bureau. He is particularly proud of the citizens of Jenks for their unwavering support and civic pride and takes little credit for remarkable expansion of the town. However, one story in particular illustrates Pete's enthusiastic dedication to Jenks and his own determination.
In 1979, Jenks Chamber of Commerce had no permanent home and Pete suggested that a railroad coach be obtained for a permanent office. Although a number of people were skeptical, Pete's research located a 1942 Frisco coach car, and it was determined that the car could be moved to Jenks for $1,100. Pete immediately took to knocking on doors and soon raised the funds to move the train car.
Pete and the citizens of Jenks then undertook the task of sandblasting, painting and refurbishing the car. Pete himself personally sandblasted about half the old coach. After raising over $12,500 in cash and another $4,00 in materials and services, and after hundreds of man hours, what was one man's idea became a permanent home for the Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Connie Neal credits Mr. Tumelson with much more than creating a unique office for the Chamber. She says Pete's efforts on behalf of Jenks are constant and unending. He is always available to help and whenever something needs to be done, he does it. 'Pete is our best ambassador.'
In addition to his volunteer work for RARC and the Jenks Chamber of Commerce, Pete is also a member of the Lion's Club and an honorary lifetime member of the Jenks America Kiwanis Club. He joined the Lions in 1968, was a "lion tamer" in 1971 - '72 and served as president in 1973 - '74.
He remains active in club affairs and participates in all the club fundraisers.
Pete's responsibilities in Kiwanis include selling Christmas trees and mowing the Christmas tree lot during the summer.
Pete was born in 1908 on a farm in Illinois and attended school through the eighth grade. He worked on farms and in an auto factory prior to becoming involved in the field of aviation. He earned a pilot's license in 1932 and has loved flying ever since.
He owned a flying service and taught at Spartan School of Aeronautics before entering the U.S. Air Corps in World War Two. During the war, he accumulated 1300 hours in C-46 aircraft and earned numerous distinctions including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Three Battle Stars, and the Air Medal.
After the war, Pete joined the Air Force Reserve and retired in 1969 as Lt. Colonel. Pete joined the Tulsa Basha in 1967 and served as commander four times: 1969, 1971, 1981, and 1988.
Pete is married to Juanita, his wife of 48 years. They have three daughters: Marilyn Kaye, Melinda Sue and Carolyn Maxine.
He is a long time member of First Baptist Church and still enjoys flying.
Pete was recognized by the City of Jenks in 1992 for his thousands of hours of volunteer work and a city park now bears his name.
In closing, the thousands of hours of unselfish service; the dedication to community and to his fellow man; the years of leading by example; the expenditure of untold personal resources and the sharing of incurable optimism and enthusiasm with all those fortunate enough to know him, these acts reveal a strength of character which defies reduction to print.
You see, you have to witness this 86-year-old dynamo to truly appreciate him. Let it simply be said that if you ever need a volunteer for a big job - who will overwhelm you with his smile and his enthusiasm - seek out Pete.
The members of Southside Sertoma Club are pleased to name J. H. "Pete" Tumelson as recipient of our Service to Mankind Award."
(Picture Caption: "J. H. "Pete" Tumelson, Nov. 29, 1908 - May 29, 2001)
* * * A QMS Deezyne * * *