Poston retires from health board

Jeannie Barton-Northrup, jnorthrup@dailyjournalonline.com

One journey ends as another begins. On Thursday, John “Jack” Poston retired from the St. Francois County Health Department Board after 23 years of service.

David Shaw, former mayor of Desloge and long-time St. Francois County resident, is taking his place.

Jack Poston, right, welcomes David Shaw to the St. Francois County Health Board, which Poston served for 23 years.

Even though Poston hadn’t completed his term, he said he knew it was time to go. He has been called to another form of service to the community — raising money to fund area food pantries. Poston will also stay busy advocating for fund retention for Missouri’s retired teachers.

Before leaving his position, Poston said he wanted to ensure his seat would be filled by someone who would continue to serve the community with integrity. Poston’s recommendation was Shaw.

Shaw retired from the Air Force after 25 years of service and was mayor of Desloge until the April election. The county commissioners and other members of the county health board approved Shaw’s appointment.

Shaw’s first board meeting was Poston’s last, and just happened to be Poston’s 71st birthday.

The committee presented Poston with a plaque for his 23 years of dedicated service to the community. Poston said his most significant achievements as a board member were putting the best employees in the correct positions and being a good steward of the finances entrusted to his care by the county taxpayers.

St. Francois County Health Board of Trustees Chair Lynn Rasnic presents Jack Poston with a plaque recognizing his 23 years of service to the community. Poston retired from the board on Thursday.

Poston was appointed to the health department board in August 2000 when longtime civic booster and funeral home owner Ted Boyer passed away and left his seat vacant. Jim McCarver contacted Poston and asked if he would be interested in filling the spot. Poston said his family was very involved in public service, and he felt honored to be asked and privileged to be able to serve.

Shaw said he has been blessed in life and wants to give back to the community. He said he feels grateful for the appointment and understands there is a significant learning curve. Shaw said he intends to come in as a “blank slate” and learn as much as possible to serve the people of St. Francois County the best way possible.