Festus R-VI Hall of Fame Inductee - Kevin Engler
2008 Festus R-VI Hall of Fame Recipient
Kevin Engler
Kevin Engler’s career illustrates why he is the 2008 Festus R-VI Hall of Fame winner. He is a 1977 graduate of Festus High School where he was a letterman in football, basketball, and baseball. In addition to his involvement in athletics, he participated in National Honor Society, Student Council, the school plays, the band, and the mixed choir. He was recognized for his talent by being nominated Student of the Month, being elected president of Student Council, attending Boy’s State, and making the honor roll all four years. After high school, Kevin attended Southwest Missouri State University on a partial athletic scholarship. While working his way through college, he excelled as a student, served as Senior President, and was a leader of the Catholic Campus Ministries.
A current resident of Farmington, Mr. Engler has been extremely active in community service, having served as Mayor from 1997-2003. His leadership efforts helped the community construct a Performing Arts Theater, Civic Center, Skate Park, Water Park, and a 100-acre city park, which later was named Engler Park. During his tenure as mayor, funding was secured to construct a new fire station and expand the public library. In addition, due to his efforts, the Farmington United Way fund was also established.
Mr. Engler in recent years has served as president of several organizations including the Farmington Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Jaycees, and St. Joseph Catholic Church Council. He has received accolades for his tireless efforts by being awarded on two different occasions the Citizen of the Year and named recipient of the KFMO Super Service Award and the KREI 110% Service Award.
Mr. Engler has also had an active political career. He was elected to the Missouri General Assembly in November 2002 and served one term as State Representative. From there, he won the 2004 election to represent the 3rd District in the State Senate. As Senator, he represents the citizens from Carter, Iron, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve and southern Jefferson Counties.
Engler resides in Farmington, Missouri with his wife Chris. Married for 26 years, he and Chris are the proud parents of four children and grandparents of one grandchild. His parents, Fritz and Norma, reside in Festus and are both graduates of the Festus R-VI School District.
Described as an extremely hard worker and a person for the common man, Kevin Engler epitomizes the necessary qualities of leadership, character, achievement, service and sustainability as a role model that defines individuals selected for membership in the Festus R-VI Hall of Fame.