Memorials

Giving recognition to great trail volunteers that we have lost.

John Roth

(1959–2009)

John was a person who built connections and moved forward. A lifelong outdoorsman with an abiding love for the Ozarks, Roth had retired from his successful technology consulting firm at age 39. After a hike on the Ozark Trail in 1998, he complained to the U.S. Forest Service about its overgrown condition. At the suggestion that he help repair the trail, Roth took a crucial step, he appeared at the U.S.F.S. office the next day ready to dig in. With Roth out front, the trail and the organization he founded – the Ozark Trail Association – began to flourish as new miles rolled out. Along the way, he carved out a reputation for asking tough questions, forging partnerships, and designing first-rate trails. Roth was awarded a National Trail Award in 2002 and Forest Service Volunteer Awards for 2003, 2005, and posthumously, for 2008. “John Roth was an enthusiastic proponent of the outdoors. As the founder and guiding force of the Ozark Trail Association, he was responsible for completing many miles of new hiking trails and – perhaps more importantly – motivating and involving hundreds of volunteers in the effort.” (Ozark Regional Land Trust, 2009). Roth died in a tragic accident in July 2009, but the fruits of his labor will live on in every mile of beautiful Ozark Trail. The Roth family appreciates memorial contributions be made to the Ozark Trail Association.

Stephan Bass

(1964–2018)

On February 21, 2018, Stephan Bass, a long time major supporter of the OTA, lost his long, valiant battle with colon cancer. Stephan played a vital role in the Ozark Trail by allowing the OTA to build trail through his resort property and soon thereafter became one of OTA’s most ardent supporters. Throughout OTA history, Bass’ River Resort has been the generous host to many OTA events. These events could not have happened without the gracious support of Stephan, Julie, and his staff. Through our years of partnership, he was always kind, friendly, supportive, and generous. His bright smile was contagious and will be missed by all of us. We are extremely grateful that we had the chance to call Stephan our friend.

Dave Fuehring

(1949–2009)

Dave Fuehring passed away on January 29, 2009 after a two-year bout with cancer. David was an active volunteer for the Ozark Trail Association and other outdoors groups. During the last four years, his real OT passion was sawing. He was a prolific sawyer who cleared deadfall on every section of the Ozark Trail in Missouri. Dave and Gwen Fuehring were very active with the OTA since its inception in 2002. Through the American Hiking Society’s “Week-long Vacation” program, they sponsored several projects on the Ozark Trail, including the construction of the foot trail around Barton Fen, the rock wall on Henderson Creek, and the construction of the trail between Asher Cemetery and Strother Creek. In 2007, he and Gwen were named recipients of the American Hiking Society’s National Volunteers of the year.

Frank Pointer

(1943–2010)

Frank died on May 25, 2010 after a brief illness. Here is a remembrance written by Gwen… I met Frank in 2003 when the Ozark Trail Association was in its infancy. Back then, we were a small, close knit group of volunteers who came out 2 or 3 times a month to enjoy the camaraderie of working together in the woods on the Ozark Trail. The next year, when my husband and I started weeklong volunteer vacations, Frank became our most avid supporter. He enthusiastically welcomed out-of-state volunteers, he liked the hard work, and he would perform any chore that needed doing. He was often the instigator of lively conversations around the campfire. Frank became one of the earliest trail adopters when he volunteered to maintain a piece of trail along Barton Fen which was built during 2 volunteer vacations. Today I maintain that piece along with Robert Smith and Danny McMurphy. For me, walking that trail provides a connection with those who helped build it and are no longer with us: my husband Dave, OTA founder John Roth and now Frank. Frank was so proud of his red jacket awarded after 20 trail building events. At that time, only 7 people had earned the prestigious red jacket. Frank didn’t rest on his laurels after getting the award—he participated in at least 41 work events. I feel very sad that I’ll never have another conversation with Frank. We could talk about any topic and Frank would tell a funny story or provide a unique insight. I remember a discussion about why we worked on the trail. Frank said, that he got immediate enjoyment from being outdoors and seeing completed sections of the trail but what really kept him focused was that the trail would be there for his grandchildren and for generations to come. The fruits of Frank’s labor are there to be enjoyed by everyone who uses the Ozark Trail, now and into the future. He was a wonderful friend and he is sorely missed.

James L. “Pop” Connelly

(1886–1975)

James Connelly, “Pop” as he was affectionately known in his later years, lived in Ironton and was instrumental in the creation of the original Taum Sauk Trail. In fact, he is referred to as “The Father of the Taum Sauk Trail.”  He was known to many in the scouting community, particularly members of The Order of The Arrow, Shawnee Lodge, who adopted and maintained the trail for many years. Pop was awarded The Silver Beaver, the highest honor given by the BSA for exceptional character and selfless service to the scouting community. The original Taum Sauk Trail started in Graniteville at Elephant Rocks and terminated at Johnson Shut-In State Park. One particular point of interest of the original trail was a rock cairn, called “Pop Connelly’s Monument” on Russell Mountain created by the playful suggestion that if every scout that hiked the trail put a rock on the pile, Russell Mountain would surpass the Taum Sauk Mountain in elevation and become Missouri’s highest peak! James L. “Pop” Connelly, a great man, may he be never forgotten…

James Hefner

(1960-2021)

Jim Hefner, OTA Crane Lake Loop adopter passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at the age of 61. Jim loved anything of an outdoor nature and all Federal State and County Parks. He liked hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, canoeing, camping, searching for Morels and paw paws with Ruffles in tow and enjoyed the search for good wine and good food. Thank you for your service, Jim. Happy Trails.

Mike Fallon

(1973–2008)

Mike Fallon passed away unexpectedly on 11/22/08 during a road trip with his wife and young daughter to visit his parents. In the 3 short years Mike was with the OTA he participated in 10 trail events. Before joining us he successfully ‘thru hiked’ the 2100+ mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine from March thru September 2003, under the trail name ‘Vagabond’. Along the way, he forged new friendships that remain today! He was an active member of the A.T. Conference and often left ‘trail magic’.

Jessica Renee Terrell

(1977–2008)

Jessica Renee Terrell, 30, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, formerly of Jefferson City, Missouri, died Wednesday, January 9, 2008, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was born July 7, 1977, in Wilmington, Ohio, daughter of Judy Terrell of Wilmington, Ohio and Charles Terrell of Hollansburg, Ohio. She was a 1995 graduate of Wilmington High School and graduated from Hiram College with a B.S. in marine biology. She also studied in Australia as an exchange student in both high school and college. Jessica had been the state trail coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources in New Mexico since 2006. Prior to working in New Mexico, she held the same position in Missouri, where she had worked on the Katy Trail and acted as the chair of the Ozark Trail Council.

Tell us your story

If you have a suggestion of someone that should be remembered for their contribution to the Ozark Trail, email your story and/or pictures to admin@ozarktrail.com.