2025 Operating Directors

Back Row (L-R) - Kyle Chapman, Josi Chapman, Jeff Johnston, Tracy Johnston, Stephen Hill, Jana Rayburn, Melanie Calhoon, Chesney Wright, Ofeira Gazzaway and Carrie Standley
Seated (L-R) - Joanna Jarrott, Pammy Narvaez, Michael Evans, Heather Richardson, LaLa Elrod and Brooke Allison
Not Pictured - Martin Spurlock

Permanent Board of Directors

Kim Overstreet-Shaw, President

Fred Sullivan

Erline Ingle

Belinda Allison

Susan Broadnax

Don Shaw

George Jarrott

Glen Conner

Betsy Stafford

Janay Rainey

Buck Hudson

Honorees

Mr. East Texas

2025 - Representative Trent Ashby

The Mr. East Texas Award was established in 1967 and is presented at the discretion of the operating board of directors to the East Texan who best exemplifies the spirit and quality of leadership which advances, shapes and gives direction to the growth and progress of East Texas.

 

Congratulations to

Mr. East Texas 2025

Representative Trent Ashby

 

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐛𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐌𝐫. 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐬.

Representative Trent Ashby was sworn into the Texas House of Representatives in January 2013. His district is comprised of Angelina, Houston, Polk, San Augustine, Trinity, and Tyler Counties. Trent is currently a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, as well as the Committee on Public Education, and serves as the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Academic & Career-Oriented Education.

Born and raised on a dairy farm and diversified livestock operation in Rusk County, Ashby is proud of his rural background and upbringing. He is a graduate of Henderson High School and was named one of their distinguished alumni in 2014. Trent is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics. While at A&M, he was elected to the Student Senate, Class Treasurer, and Senior Yell Leader. He continues to be involved with his alma mater through the Texas A&M Letterman's Association and Association of Former Students.
Today, Trent is a Senior Vice President for VeraBank. He and his wife, Nickie, live in Lufkin where they raised their two sons, Garin and Grant. Trent and Nickie remain active in the community and attend Harmony Hill Baptist Church.

Representative Ashby’s continued support for Tyler County has left a lasting impact on our community. His dedication to our local traditions and growth is appreciated by many, and we look forward to his continued representation in Austin.

 

Former Recipients

2024 - James White, Texas Funeral Service Commissioner, Former State Representitive 
2023 - Greg Bostwick, Meteorologist & SETx News Personality
2022 - Kerry & Belinda Trest, Business Owners & Community Volunteers
2021 - Ben G. Raimer, MD, MA, FAAP, President ad Interim, UTMB
2020 - Cecelia Flores, Tribal Council Chairperson of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas
2019 - Judge Delinda Gibbs-Walker, 1st District Court of Texas Judge
2018 - Judge Earl Stover III, 88th District Court of Texas Judge
2017 - Edward "Bubba" Miller, Minister & SHSU Rodeo Coach
2016 - Harold Estes, Business Leader & Philanthropist
2015 - David J. Waxman, Planning Consultant
2014 - Joe Penland, Philanthropist & Businessman
2013 - Mic Cowart, Entergy Customer Service Manager
2011 - Jim McReynolds, Texas House of Representatives, District 12
2009 - Chief Oscola Clayton M. Sylestine, Principal Chief of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas
2008 - Joe Folk, Retired Teacher, Superintendent, and Jasper County Judge
2006 - Howard Rosser, Executive Director of East Texas Tourism Association
2005 - Nick Lampson, Former Congressman
2004 - Evelyn Lord, Mayor of Beaumont
2003 - Lester Lowery, Retired Sawmill and Chipmill Owner
2002 - Dr. James M. Simmons, President of Lamar University
2001 - Joe Wesley Dickerson, M.D., Founder of Dickerson Memorial Hospital
2000 - Tom Harken, Business Leader, Speaker and Writer
1999 - James B. Hull, Director, State Forestor, Asst. Vice-Chancellor of Agriculture Programs
1998 - Walter Humphrey, Texas Attorney
1997 - Mike Moses, Texas Commissioner of Education
1996 - Horace McQueen, Broadcaster of Farm & Ranch News
1995 - Larry Beaulieu, Vice President and General Manager of KFDM-TV
1994 - Water Diggles, Executive Director of Deep East Texas Council of Governments
1993 - Dr. James Anderson Allums, Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon
1992 - Allen Hightower, Jr., Texas House of Representatives, District 18
1989 - Charles T. Terrell, Chairman of the Texas Criminal Justice Task Force
1988 - James Henry "Red" Duke, M.D., TV Personality, Surgeon & Professor
1987 - Maury Meyers, Mayor of Beaumont
1986 - Bill Hobby, Lieutenant Governor of Texas
1985 - Louie Welch, Businessman & Former Mayor of Houston
1984 - Roy D. Shotts, Radio & Television Pioneer
1983 - C.L. "Charlie" Schmucker, Teacher, Banker & College Administrator
1982 - Francis E. Abernathy, Author, Folklorist & Professor of English
1981 - Joe L. Fisher, U.S. District Judge, Eastern District
1980 - Herbert E. Dishman, Business Leader & Philanthropist
1979 - Don Adams, Former State Legislator
1978 - Ben Rogers, Philanthropist & Businessman
1977 - Price Daniel, Former Governor of Texas & Texas Supreme Court Justice
1976 - Ralph Steen, President of Stephen F. Austin State University
1975 - Ralph Ramos, Journalist & Author
1974 - Charles Wilson, U.S. Congressmen, District 2
1973 - Edward Clark, Former Ambassador to Australia
1972 - John Gray, President of Lamar University
1971 - Allan & Marialice Shivers, Former Governor & First Lady of Texas
1970 - Arthur Temple, President of Temple Eastex Corporation
1969 - Arliegh Brantley Templeton, President of Sam Houston State University
1968 - Glenn E. Richard, Chairman of the Board, Gulf States Utilities Co.
1967 - O.R. Crawford, General Manager of Wothwestern Timber Company

Parade Marshal

2025 - Kim Cruse

The Tyler County Dogwood Festival is honored to welcome Kim Cruse as our 2025 Parade Marshal.


Kim Cruse is a gifted vocalist from Woodville, TX. The daughter of Bobby and Ramona Cruise, Kim began singing in her father’s church at a young age, where she developed a deep connection to music. She was active in extra-curricular events at Woodville High School, singing in the High School Choir and taking up tennis as a hobby. Kim was crowned Miss Tyler County in 2010, as well as winning the talent portion, and was the first African American to hold that title. She also has a history with our Dogwood Festival, as she participated in the Historical Play during her high school years and even after graduation. Kim’s talent led her to share the stage with gospel legend John P. Kee and R&B artist Monica, further establishing her as a force in the industry.

Her journey to wider recognition began with a standout performance on the YouTube competition Race To The Blue with Terrell Grice, ultimately securing a feature on his debut album, An Invitation To The Cookout, alongside Lalah Hathaway. In 2021, Kim released her self-titled debut EP, Kim Cruse, which reached #8 on the iTunes R&B charts. She gained national attention as a Top 8 finalist on The Voice (Season 22), where her powerhouse vocals captivated audiences.

Kim’s career has taken her to prestigious events such as the Houston Grand Opera Ball and Leigh Steinberg’s Super Bowl party, as well as performances across the U.S. and Germany. Her latest project, Mixed Emotions, showcases her signature blend of emotion and vocal artistry, solidifying her place as a rising star in the music world.
With a passion for storytelling through song, Kim Cruse continues to make an impact, leaving a lasting impression on every stage she graces!

James E. Wheat Award

The spirit of the festival is one of voluntary cooperation which has its fullest expression each year as dozens of committees and individuals work together.  In 1975, the operating directors established the James E. Wheat Award in order to recognize truly exceptional leaders, who through the years have given most unselfishly of their time and talents to the Tyler County Dogwood Festival.

The award, named in honor of the founder of the festival, will be presented annually at the discretion of the directors to the person or persons who are felt to have exhibited the spirit of cooperation which James E. Wheat thought was the key to success in this endeavor.

 

Congratulations to our
2025 Recipients!

Former Recipients

F.M. Archer
Ruby Barclay
Wyatt Bell
Bob Belt
Joanna Bennett
Sue Bracken
Marie Carter
Morris Clemmons
J.B. Coffman
Lula Collier
Maurine Gassiott
Dr. James Jinnette
Odessa Lowe
Alford Lee Polk
Monroe Prescott
John Smitley
F.B. Sullivan
Quaidie Sullivan
Julie Archer
Josiah Wheat
Ruby Wheat
Dottie Wheat
Ida Mae Stamps
Hilda Coats
Lynn Williams
Esther Wright
Ellie Hunt
Tressie McClure
Max Graham
Webb Ashworth
R.A. & Katherine Jernigan
Inez Swearingen
Lawrence Rainey
Kaaren Sullivan
Clinton Currie
Jane Worthy
Billie Polk
George Jarrott
Bevis & Jane Minter
Alice McGovney
Blanche Risinger
Milton Walters
J.T. Stryker
Jim Gainey
Annette Smith
Virginia Baker
Claytie Lee Clow
Fred Sullivan
Ruth Houston
Margarete Crews
Johnnie Hickman
Irma Hickman
A.J. Cortez
Katherine Branch
Herb Branch
Paul Walker
Judy Watts
Jamie Pike
Mary Lissie McCombs
Joan Graham
James A. "Jim" Clark
Oleane Bendy
Cecil Fortenberry
Betsy Stafford
Woman's Reading Club
Woman's Study Club
Patricia Brown
Dixie Jarrott
Don Shaw
Clyde Taylor, Sr.
Belinda Allison
Becky Jinnette
Tom McGuire
Thelma Minyard
Robbie Evans
Sharon Fuller
Sarah Holmes
Otis Ray Fortenberry
Bobby Birdwell
Barbara Fortenberry
Charles Spurlock
Gil Tubb
Juanita Brown
Tommie Garner
American Business Women's Assoc.
Woodville Lions Club
Margaret Pope
Woodville Volunteer Fire Department
Kathy Carruth
Vivian Davis
Blanche Risinger Shaw
Business & Professional Women
Judy Brown
Sassy Scrappers
Benja McCluskey
Patti Tucker
Frances Clemmons Kuehn
Keith Hays
Jerry Carruth
Kathy Weaver
Sarah & Buddy Crumpler
Kim SpellLyle Rainey
Jacques L. Blanchette
Bob Boykin
Erline Ingle
Susan Milam
Eleanor & Grady Holderman
Rhonda Bigby
Alicia Scoggins
Phillis Tubb
C.D. Woodrome
Glen Conner
Keith Fuller
Michelle Martindale
Beverly Reese
Trey & Sharice Allison
Terry & Melissa Riley
Carolyn Collier
Steve Evans
Donece Gregory
Chester I.S.D.
Colmesneil I.S.D.
Spurger I.S.D.
Warren I.S.D.
Woodville I.S.D.
Janay Rainey
Tyler County Heritage Society
Lesha Burkhalter
Jenny Lewis
Tammy Watts
Ted Watts
Forrest Archer
Lynda Walling
Ronnie Walling
Katrina Ferguson
Tawnya Moffett
Sharon Brown
Rodney Monk
Cherie Read
Billie Read

Mark Turner
Bernice Coates
Cody & Judy Lewis
Ruth Hollingsworth
Amber Conner
Ju Ju Standley
John & Cindi Cooley 
Ronnie Brown 
Danita Skinner
Sandy Reider
Tillman Johnson
Wade Wardlaw