There are times when it just feels really good to do the right thing. There are times when it just seems really right to say the right words. There are times when it just is right to honor the right people, while they are alive. It seems like too often most of us wait until it’s too late to express what someone really has meant and does mean to us. Whether it be a kind deed, an encouraging word, a gentle reprimand, or perhaps even a life changing event, most of us are guilty of not letting those that have positively impacted and influenced our lives know about our gratitude and genuine thankfulness until it is too late.
Oh My Goodness, Can You Believe that Sound?
When I returned home to the little town that I had graduated high school from after completing college, something had changed in my life. I left for Central State University in August of 1989 and upon arrival there, one of the first course altering events was me attending a southern gospel quartet concert in Oklahoma City. I had been invited to a concert at a huge concert hall in downtown OKC to see the Kingsmen Quartet. At the moment of the first note, I was hooked. I had not heard anything like this before. I literally had no idea that anyone could sing like that. And then to hear Tim Lovelace play that piano, I had never known that music could be that joyful and full of life and emotion. It truly changed me. Over the course of my time there, I got to hear and get acquainted with numerous southern gospel groups. These relationships have been special to both Mandy and me for all of these many years.
A Little Culture in Eads
When I returned home, I decided that the desire of my heart was to bring some of that gospel music to my friends right here in southeast Colorado. I really didn’t know if it would work or not, but I wanted to try. In the fall of 1992 I received a telephone call from a man by the name of Claude Hopper of the infamous Hoppers. Claude and Connie Hopper’s family group was the premier mixed gospel group at that time. I thought he had said his name was Harper, which is the name of the gospel booking agency “Harper & Associates”. Once I realized that I was speaking with Claude himself, frankly I could not believe it. Claude was willing to bring his family to Eads to sing, so in March of 1993 The Hoppers sang at the United Methodist Church in Eads, Colorado. I wasn’t sure how I was going to pay the bill, I was trying to start up and operate a fledgling funeral home business, so I tried selling tickets for $5.00. Let’s just say I came up a bit short of reaching the 1500.00 needed to pay the bill, but there were some in the community that helped. So as it went, the Kiowa Healthmart and the Brown Funeral Home brought in gospel groups for several years.
The second professional group to come to this area was The Down East Boys from Reidsville, NC. They were here in April of 1993. Their bus pulled up in front of the United Methodist Church in Eads and a 22-year-old Ricky Cardon stepped off that bus, and for whatever reason we were instantly best friends. A friendship that I have enjoyed for over 30 years now. Over the last 32 years, we have had the following groups here in our little town: Lumber River Quartet, James Blackwood Quartet, JD Sumner & The Stamps Quartet, The Spear Family, The Hoppers, The Florida Boys, The Kingsmen Quartet, The New Hinsons and The Down East Boys(over 30 times). We even helped the ministerial alliance bring in Dino Kartsonakis, the world renowned pianist. None of this would have been possible without some folks here that could always be counted on with their attendance. It’s not been easy, and it’s taken a tremendous investment of resources, but I believe in the end it will have been worth it all.
Generosity, A Priceless Gift
I suspect that nearly all of us that have gone through our little school system can identify a few that have been pivotal in developing our character and serving as encouragers to us. The same can be said, I’m sure of most that have ever been a part of our little community. The one’s I wish to honor in this article are Bill & Charlotte Woelk (known to all of us as Mr. & Mrs. Woelk) and Doris Lessenden (known to us as Miss Less). These three have been and continue to be ones amongst us that can ALWAYS be counted on! Back when I was trying to sell $5.00 tickets to a gospel show, they were always buyers, every time. They have supported every spaghetti supper, every pancake meal, every ball game, every church event, every wedding, every family that has experienced loss, every Christmas Cantata, every school program, everything, I mean everything. Everywhere you go, they are there, giving of their time, talents and resources. They probably bought more magazines from more freshman classes that anyone can possibly read. They have been tireless, and steadfast in their devotion to our communities and their churches (Trinity Lutheran & Sheridan Lake Bible Church). As I get older, I am gaining an entirely new appreciation for people like these. As I reflect back to just all that they have been a part of, I simply am amazed. There are times when I can’t help but think and respect these three individuals. How many of us that are blessed with two strong legs fail to support community events because we are tired or some other thing, and there is Miss Less, every time, right there. People like these are worthy of the praise and honor of those of us who have been the recipient of their devotion and sacrifice. Our world needs a whole lot more people like these whose selfless character is on demonstration every day in every way. The three of them are three of the most generous of heart and resources of anyone most of us will ever know.
31 Years: a Time to Honor
On Sunday night, October 19, 2025 the Down East Boys were once again in Eads to sing. This marked the 31st year of them being in our little town. These three have been at every one of these concerts for the last 31 years. This night was extra special because it was also a night to honor the Woelks and Miss Less for their faithful service to our communities. People came from across our area to hear great gospel music, and honor Mr. & Mrs. Woelk and Miss Less. The place was the Praise Community Church. Pastors Lane and Debbie Gooden had come up with this idea, and it turned into a very special evening. The place was packed with people and honor was bestowed upon these wonderful people, people that have given so much to our little community and the surrounding communities. There are times when it just feels good to do the right thing. Honoring these three just feels right. They don’t do and have not done anything seeking the praise of others, but their lives have been a testament to lives worthy of honor. Today, we honor you Mr. & Mrs. Woelk and Miss Less and thank you for your imprint upon each of our lives. It’s a great thing to have folks like this among us!
