History of the Belton Lions Club

The original Belton Lions Club was established on May 12,1936. No records are available that list the original charter members or who the officers were during the period 1936-1939/40. Records do indicate that Mr. Dale Carnegie joined the club in 1937 and was instrumental in raising a substantial amount of monies for the club. During 1938, a community watermelon feed attracted over 750 persons and Mr. Carnegie gave a speech. A total of $300 was raised. The club also sponsored a Boy Scout troop and assisted with the Christmas street decorations. The club went inactive on October 30, 1941 as the outbreak of World War II loomed over the community.

The reorganization of the Belton Lions occurred on October 30,1953 with a total of 16 charter members. Dr. James C. Bolin was elected President, Richard George, 1st VP, Nelson Mullen, 2nd VP, George Eblen, 3rd VP, Russell Storer, Secy/Treas, Jack Daugherty, Lion Tamer and Merlin Stratton, Tail Twister.

The Belton Lions have been and continue to be very active in their community and state projects. They have held many fund raisers with the earliest recorded pancake breakfast being conducted in 1953. It grossed a total of $193.45. We have sponsored little league baseball teams, conducted donkey baseball games in conjunction with appreciation day for Air Force personnel stationed at Richards-Gebaur AFB. Our club is responsible for the Community Days Parade, celebrating Belton Community Days and also the Veterans Day parade held annually in November of each year.

Like all Lions clubs our members are very involved in raising funds to provide for eye care for deserving people in our community. We are proud that all of our members are leaders in the community. Lion Bill Powell is a life member of Lions and has served Lionism for over 45 years. Our club continues to recognize the efforts of our members by awarding them the coveted Melvin Jones Fellowship. We know that the Lions that have come before us have given us a distinguished past: we are looking forward to our bright future!