Noreen Hyslop photo - John William Ringer addresses the annual membership meeting of the Regional Healthcare Foundation as he is honored for having served on the local hospital's Board of Directors for 44 consecutive years, 25 of which he also served as the board's president.

Since the hospital's inception in 1968, Ringer has served on the hospital board and more recently on the board of the Regional Healthcare Foundation, which serves as the governing organization for Dexter's hospital. Additionally, for at least 25 of those years, Ringer has served as the hospital's board president. Prior to the local hospital's construction, he was instrumental in the planning stages and the efforts that led to the construction of the facility that is now known as Missouri Southern Healthcare.

All good things must come to an end, however, and for John W. Ringer, the time has come to step down as a board member after more than four decades of service. He made the decision earlier this year and was honored for his years of dedicated service during last week's Regional Healthcare Foundation Annual Membership Meeting.

Dr. Bill Kane, in his role as 2007-08 board president, made the award presentation to Ringer for his efforts, stating, "John has given of his heart and soul for 44 consecutive years as he has served on the hospital's board and it is for his hard work and commitment that we honor him."

Ringer's efforts toward obtaining a hospital facility in Dexter began in early 1964 and when, after four years, his dream materialized, it was then-Vice President of the United States, Hubert Humphrey, who paid a visit to Dexter and dedicated the facility, initially named Dexter Memorial Hospital.

Crediting others with the work that went into establishing a hometown hospital, Ringer was quick to name C.C. Shell, Jake Estes, Dewey Sigler, Marshall Vowels and Bob Robbins as just a few who were also instrumental in getting the hospital project off the ground over 40 years ago.

Before stepping down to a standing ovation at the Hidden Trails Country Club gathering, Ringer told the audience, "It has been my privilege and my honor to serve in the capacity on the board for all these years. We have an excellent staff and loyal, caring employees and it's comforting to know that a facility of this caliber exists in our community."

Although stepping down from the board position, Ringer plans to continue in his role as counsel to the Regional Healthcare Foundation.