Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held their annual awards dinner on Saturday evening.

Hillary Starnes, Chamber Director, presented the Citizen of the Year Award.

"The Citizen of the Year Award recognizes someone within the community who has gone above and beyond for the betterment of Dexter," stated Starnes.  "It is an award that used to be annually presented, but went by the wayside years ago and is being revived with the 2015 year."

The recipient of the 2015 Citizen of the Year is a cornerstone of the Dexter community.

John William Ringer's passion for the city of Dexter is evident in more than half a century of service in a multitude of endeavors.

Tireless efforts in the early 1960s brought about the construction of the area's first hospital, now SoutheastHEALTH Center of Stoddard County.  Ringer served on the hospital's initial board of directors and remained on the Board until 2008.  Of his 44 years on that Board, 25 were in the role of Board President.  he continues to serve today as attorney for the Regional Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors.

He served as Associate Circuit Judge in 1985-1986, appointed to fill the term of the late Jimmy Trammel.  he had a successful run for the office when the next term came up, but later resigned to resume his practice full time in Dexter, where he remains today on Vine Street.

For the past 37 years, John William Ringer has served as legal representation for Dexter Public Schools.  Additionally, he has spent a lifetime promoting literacy, primarily through his efforts on the Board of Directors of what is now Keller Public Library.  Within that realm, he has served as a loyal "Friend of the Library" still taking time to volunteer at the library as a guest reader for their popular Story Hour series.

In his younger years, Ringer was active in the local Jaycee organization, serving as president for three terms.  He has spearheaded countless fundraisers for worthy causes, including the hospital initiative, library additions and many others.  He is also a veteran member of the Dexter Kiwanis Club and in that realm has served in every feasible capacity.

Ringer was recognized as the Chamber's "Man of the Year" in 1964.  He was honored in 1995 in Who's Who in American Law and Excellence in Government and in 2013, received the "Friend of the Library's" annual award for his service to the local library.

Along with all of his civic contributions, John William Ringer has devoted a lifetime of service to his place of worship, Dexter's First Baptist Church.  He has served as worship leader, Sunday School teacher, church deacon, as legal advisor for the church since the 1960s and in just about every other possible aspect of church service.

Health issues have recently forced this unsung hero to resort to the use of a wheelchair, but the wheels have not slowed his pace in the community.  He continues in countless roles - serving quietly, with little fanfare and certainly with no self-gratification.  He is a good steward, in the truest sens of the word - a giver and not a receiver - and a valued gift to the community of Dexter.

"We are pleased to present the 2015 Citizen of the Year to John Ringer," continued Starnes. "Congratulations!"

Photo credit to Dee Loflin, ShowMe Times Manager/Editor.