Garver retires after 31 years

By Kerry Watson, Director of Communications

It’s been fun. That’s how Murl Garver recently summed up his 31 years of service in the cooperative system. Co-workers and area farmers joined Murl for a celebratory retirement luncheon in his honor on Friday, July 26, in Abilene.

Originally from the Talmage area, Murl grew up helping his parents with their farming operation. Following high school, Murl attended Bethany College where he earned a degree in general business. He wanted to pursue a career in agriculture and hoped to do so in Dickinson County, close to home. When an opportunity to work in the elevator at Farmers Coop presented itself, Murl accepted. The position he accepted, however, wasn’t one in which he would apply his college education. He would get the chance a couple of years later when he assumed the responsibilities of office manager/controller, a position in which he held for 22 years.
 
When Farmers Coop merged with MKC in 2008, Murl’s skill set was utilized in different positions and at different locations, including the fuel department at

McPherson covering for a fellow employee on medical leave. "All of the positions had their own unique challenges and rewards," Murl said. "I especially liked the office work and working with numbers."

Murl doesn’t plan to venture away from agriculture during his retirement as he plans to do a little farming himself and work for an area farmer. MKC wishes him all the best!

Cromwell retires after 18 years of service

Cromwell (far right) shares memories and
laughter with fellow employees.

After many years of loyal valuable service, Wayne “Sparky” Cromwell celebrated his last day of work with friends and family on May 31 at the Talmage senior and community center.

Wayne was called to Talmage under the impression that the elevator needed a major repair; instead he was greeted by a surprise luncheon party. Wayne’s wife Linda and two of his daughters Tara and Heather, along with four of his eight grandchildren, made the trip from Kansas City to be there for the surprise. (Wayne and Linda also have another daughter, Heidi, living in Springfield, Missouri, and a son, Scott, in Texas.)