County honors Mooney, Welborn

Hon. Paul McGhee

When Judge Stephen Sharp ordered afternoon court into session in Bloomfield Wednesday, things were handled a little differently than normal.

A special ceremony was held during court, lasting well over an hour, to honor the lifetimes and service of two lifelong Bloomfield attorneys: Elvis Alexander Mooney and Joe Cobb Welborn.

Both men for many years were pivotal, highly active members of the community and were remembered fondly Wednesday by all those who attended.

John Wm. Ringer

The Honorable Robert S. Barney, member of the Missouri Court of Appeals and former son-in-law to Mooney, shared some of his fondest memories in a very emotional speech.

Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Briney Welborn also spoke on behalf of his father, Joe Welborn.

Numerous family members and friends turned out for the ceremony, as did many attorneys who either knew the two men or recognized their influence within the county.

Randall Hutchison sang "The Navy Hymn" to honor both men's service in the United States Navy.

Several other attorneys and judges made remarks and shared memories including the Hon. Paul McGhee, attorneys John William Ringer and C.H. Parsons, Jr.

The ceremony concluded with the Bloomfield School Choir singing "There's a School Upon the Hill," followed by a Masonic closing.