W. Herbert Buckallew

Tri-County Electric Cooperative - Inducted in 2007

Herb Buckallew rose from humble beginnings as a brush cutter, with a ninth-grade education to lead the cooperative as general manager for nearly thirty years.  As one of the longest tenured managers in Missouri's electric cooperative history, Herb was one of the individuals, rare today, who knew every aspect of working for a cooperatives.  Even late in his career Herb was known to climb poles to help restore power.  

 Herb served on numerous electric statewide committees and was a long-time member of AMEC's Board of Directors, where his insight and leadership among his peers were integral factors in the success of many cooperative programs. 

 One of Herb's greatest loves was the Missouri Electric Cooperatives Building at the Missouri State Fair.  Herb timed his vacation with fair dates and spent most of his day in the building.  He was always enthusiastic to visit with fair goers in the building to tell the cooperative story.  Even after retiring due to illness, Herb still made his annual trek to volunteer in the Missouri Electric Building during the state fair, greeting old friends and making new friends.

lifetime dedication to cooperatives, outstanding community leadership, and enthusiasm for telling the cooperative story