Barr, Reddings honored at Kellogg’s Sesquicentennial

People on chairs and blankets lined the road ready to celebrate Kellogg’s Sesquicentennial with the opening ceremony and parade Saturday. Three very special guest were a part of parade riding in style with Grand Marshal David Barr in a convertible and Sesquicentennial King and Queen Virgil and Marie Redding in a Plume Hill carriage waving to those in attendance.

Grand Marshal
David Barr

Barr is the youngest child of Chester and Irene, who grew up as a Kellogg resident most of his life. He attended Kellogg Elementary and graduated from Newton High School in 1976. From there he received his degree in Farm Operations and Management from Ellsworth Community College and began farming along with working at Maytag.

“Known throughout the community for his work ethic, integrity, exceptional leadership and most importantly his service to others, these faithful attributes are what entitle him to the prestigious position of grand marshal,” event coordinator Lauren Gildersleeve said.

Currently, Barr serves on the administrative board at the Kellogg United Methodist Church, and he was a past leader of the community youth group and was a leader for KID’s Club and Vacation Bible School. He helped start and lead Camp on the Rock and serves on the East Jasper Christian Food Pantry Board.

He served the City of Kellogg Reserve Office, served as deputy in the Jasper County Reserves and volunteered for the Kellogg Fire Department for five years. He served on the Jasper County Extension Council, on the Jasper Country Fair Board and on the Kellogg Community Chest Board.

Barr was often found serving behind the scenes at community events such as Trunk or Treat, sweet corn feeds, Kellogg Konnections and even during the Sesquicentennial event.

With all that he has done, Barr considers his greatest achievement to be the face that his three children know the Lord as their personal savior. Along with his many activities, he enjoys being with his family, especially his two grandchildren, farming, fishing and designing and making things. He says about his life that he has been blessed.

King and Queen Virgil and Marie Redding

Virgil, 95, is a native of Kellogg and one of four children. A retired tool maker, he uses his creative mind through his active hands to keep busy. His hobbies include making things, working on cars, building a motor home and building two houses. Virgil built the home he and Marie have lived in since 1977. He served as assistant chief in the Kellogg Fire Department for 36 years.

Marie, 94, grew up south of Sully but was “swept off her feet” by Virgil and moved to Kellogg after marrying him. Marie is the youngest of seven children and worked as a meat wrapper and candled eggs before becoming a homemaker. She likes to make afghans and going “blue grassing” as a family.

The couple met at Old Settler in Lynnville and married 77 years ago on March 18, 1938. The story goes that Virgil “spotted Marie and knew he wanted that charming, pretty lady.” The couple had three children and their family has grown with eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

“Their love for each other and dedication to the community over the numerous years are what earn them the right to be called King and Queen,” Gildersleeve said. “Our community would not be the same without them.”

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com