Payson Lions Club’s Dedication to Service Expands; Longtime Members Honored as Lions of the Year

Pictured (left-right): Pleasant Grove Lions Jo Taylor and Milt Taylor, Payson Lions of the Year Everett and Shirley Kester, Rhett Huff, and Payson Mayor Rick Moore during last Thursday’s Payson Lions Club’s Honor’s Night.

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth,” said Milt Taylor, Utah District 28T Governor, speaking at the May 12 Payson Lions Club’s Honor’s Night banquet.  Quoting Muhammad Ali, he defined the attitude shared among Lions internationally since its inception by Chicago businessman, Melvin Jones, in 1917.

Holding the second oldest charter in Utah, established in 1924, Payson Lions are no exception to the notion of paying one’s “rent.”  Mr. Taylor joined the local club as guest speaker last week with his wife, Jo Taylor, at a time of growth in service among local Lions.

Taylor is passing the District Governor’s torch on to Payson Lion Rhett Huff, who will be officially sworn into the role at the 99th Lions Clubs International in Fukuoka, Japan, this June. Mr. Huff’s wife, Jennifer Huff, who has served tirelessly by his side will join him.

As last week’s meeting, held at the Peteetneet, drew to a close, yet another dedicated couple entered the spotlight.  Everett and Shirley Kester, Genola residents and Lions since the mid-1960s, were named Lions of the Year by the Payson club.  They were presented a plaque for their service and the customary “Roars!” by the Lions of Payson.