LLOYD I. “JERRY” & PAT EVANS

Lloyd I. “Jerry” Evans, entrepreneur and community leader, and Pat Evans, a tireless advocate for education and promotion of arts, were dedicated to giving back to the community they loved.  In unison this couple left a lasting legacy by consistently supporting every major project in Ponca City through leadership, participation or philanthropic giving.   A tireless worker, Jerry set the pace for achieving goals and encouraged others to give their individual time and talents to serve this community.  Jerry held many leadership roles and always led by example.  Jerry Evans may best be remembered as a constant and loyal friend, who gave unselfishly of himself to promote and improve his community.  Pat Evans had an innate passion for arts and education, with an emphasis on children.  Her contributions included being a member of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, serving as Chair of the Oklahoma Arts Council and working on numerous other art affiliated boards.  Her dedication was recognized by receiving the Governor’s Arts Award in 2004.  She continued this support through her establishment of the Evans Children’s Performing Arts Academy. Pat was often called upon to lead projects and committees of every nature, reflecting her passion for making this community a better place to live.

FRED & SUE BOETTCHER

The Boettchers chose to raise their family with the solid Oklahoma values uniquely expressed in Ponca City.  Committed to feeding the hungry and providing shelter for the homeless and abused, the Boettchers looked to the future and gave generously by supporting the education and welfare of children through scholarships.  The Child Development Center, the Young Men’s Christian Association, the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program and many other projects received their continuous support.  Fred and Sue changed the lives of numerous Ponca City graduates with educational scholarships based on need.  Their love of Ponca City began with its people but continued with the historical preservation of Ponca City’s foundation, the downtown area, and promoting its vitality.  Hoping future generations will appreciate and share their love of Ponca City’s unique historical gifts, they worked tirelessly for Poncans because of their belief that when you help the people with the greatest needs, it strengthens and builds the community as a whole.

GARY MARTIN

Spanning a thirty five year career as a dedicated and visionary employee of the City of Ponca City, City Manager Gary Martin, with his calm and humble leadership style, consistently created an atmosphere that encouraged our community to work together accepting challenges and achieving successes.  The City pioneered its way through electric deregulation; passed an economic development sales tax dedicated to promoting and development of the Industrial Park; accepted the fiscal challenges of paying for federal and state mandates requiring multimillion dollar improvements to our water, wastewater and solid waste facilities; renovated City Hall and No. 1 Fire Station as the focal point for our historical downtown area; and broke ground for a multimillion dollar city sports complex.  Because of these and many other notable projects, Ponca City continues to be recognized across the state and nationally as a progressive and energy efficient city with strong leadership, fiscal responsibility and community support.  Earning the respect of his employees and embracing his responsibility to every citizen of Ponca City, Gary Martin worked tirelessly for the benefit of this community he loved and leaves a legacy of hard work and humility that will benefit many generations to follow.