Donor Recognition
The De Soto Railroad Memorial is made possible through the generosity of individuals, families, businesses, and organizations who have chosen to honor and preserve our railroad history.
We are proud to recognize the following contributors for their lasting support.
Contributors
Legacy Contributors ($10,000+)
We proudly recognize our Legacy Contributors whose extraordinary generosity has made a lasting impact on the De Soto Railroad Memorial. Their support helps preserve our history and ensures this tribute will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Union Pacific Railroad
Carmans Associations
Camp Adelaide
Major Contributors ($1,000+)
We recognize our Major Contributors whose generous support has helped bring the De Soto Railroad Memorial to life and ensure its continued preservation for the community.
De Soto Community Foundation
Donated the three railroad logos featured on the memorial.
Wal-Mart
Community Contributors ($500+)
We recognize our Community Contributors whose support has helped strengthen and grow the De Soto Railroad Memorial. Their generosity reflects the spirit and pride of our local community.
De Soto Rotary Club
Russ Queen
Charles & Roberta Rigdon
Cathy Roop
Billee Ross
Memorial Benches
Memorial benches provide a place for visitors to sit, reflect, and remember. Each bench is engraved with a dedication honoring individuals, families, and those who contributed to De Soto’s railroad legacy.
Akins and Wischroff
Andrew J. Akins | Lawrence D. Akins | Alvin Wischeropp | Samuel Pinson
Boyer Family
Adam Joseph Boyer | Laborer/Carman 1928-1959
Hawkins Family
Herman E. Hawkins, Blacksmith | Mildred 1922 | Herman Gail, Car Foreman
Gordon L., Carman | Gregory Kevin, Tamper Operator | Michael Joseph, Track Foreman
Klaus Family
E. C. Jett, 1907-1972, De Soto Superintendent | Ellen Jett, 1906-1964
Dorothy Jett Klaus, 1929 | Carl Jett, 1931-2003
Lloyd Jett, 1933-2002, Sedalia Superintendent
Maness Family
In Loving Memory of Pleasant H. Maness, 1881-1943, Engineer
"Big Bad Eye" Everett A. Maness, 1904-1959, Engineer
"Tincy" George D. Maness, 1913-1967, Engineer
Schulz
Randy M Schulz, Carman Welder
3/13/1978 - 6/1/2018
Operation Life Saver Presenter, 2000 - 2018
Vincent S. Schutte
LOVE & PEACE
In Memory of Vincent S. Schutte, Sr.
Wilkins
James "Jim" H. Wilkins
General Superintendent
Supporting Contributors
We gratefully recognize our Supporting Contributors whose generosity, large and small, has helped make the De Soto Railroad Memorial possible.
Paula K. Berryman
Eileen Byquist
Hamel & Rowe
Steve Rowe
Gladys Hammack
Greg Hawkins
Mary Ann Jett
Dorothy J. Kite
Dorothy M. Koch
Bill Leftridge
Gwen Lewis
In Memory of Dorothy Bay
In Memory of Mary Wilson
City of Columbia, Illinois
Dr. David Nuckols
Ronald Queen
Donald J. Roderique
Dorothy Schlett
Russell & Vivian Shepard
Olivia Stockhausner
In Memory of John Dawes
Martha Walker
In Memory of Dr. Harold Donnell
Martha Walker
Mary Alice Weber
Janet Blum White
Memorial Tributes (Blocks & Bricks)
16x16 Granite Blocks
16x16 Granite Blocks
16x16 Granite Blocks
Larger engraved granite tributes honoring individuals, families, and organizations with lasting recognition at the memorial.
12x12 Granite Blocks
16x16 Granite Blocks
16x16 Granite Blocks
Engraved granite blocks that provide a meaningful way to recognize names, stories, and contributions to De Soto’s railroad history.
Memorial Bricks
Memorial Bricks
Memorial Bricks
Custom engraved bricks honoring railroad workers, families, and supporters who helped shape De Soto’s legacy.
Memorial Trees
Memorial Bricks
Memorial Bricks
A living tribute honoring loved ones, families, and members of the railroad community. Memorial trees provide a lasting and natural way to recognize those who helped shape De Soto’s history.
Copyright © 2026 De Soto Railroad Memorial - All Rights Reserved.
We Use Cookies
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience and to help us improve the site. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.