As the family of Jim Dexheimer looked on, the memory of the former mayor pro tem of the city of Hannibal was eulogized during Tuesday night’s meeting of the city council.
In behalf of the city, Mayor Roy Hark presented plaques to Dexheimer’s wife, Meryle, and his two sons, Dave and Billy. The plaque expressed appreciation for Dexheimer’s 25 years of service as Fourth Ward councilman, mayor pro tem and chairman of the Hannibal Fire Board. The plaque also noted that Dexheimer’s “service was instrumental in helping the city of Hannibal move forward and enhance the quality of life for its citizens and businesses.”
Hark, who called Dexheimer “a very dear friend,” expressed his personal appreciation to the Dexheimer family.
“Thank you very, very much for allowing him to be with us. We will miss him,” said Hark.
Also speaking were Councilmen Jason Janes and Kyle Wilson. Janes cited Dexheimer’s dedicated service as a member of the fire board. In praising Dexheimer, Wilson said he was like a brother.
Later in the meeting the council discussed the process of selecting a successor to serve from the Fourth Ward. Hark noted that whoever is appointed will service until April 2009 when that council seat will come up for election to fill the remainder of the term which expires in April 2010.
Interested Fourth Ward residents will have a two-week period to apply at the city clerk’s office. An ad explaining the particulars of the application process will appear in the Courier-Post either later this week or early next week.
The pool of candidates will be interviewed by the council later this month.
The position of mayor pro tem was filled during Tuesday’s meeting. On a unanimous vote (Councilman Jeff Lyng was absent), Wilson was chosen to assume that post.
