The ceremony in the Arts & Crafts Building enshrined Thomas Roush of Wayne Township and husband and wife Neil and Shirley Lippincott of West Township for their contributions to communities across Columbiana County, with their framed portraits and biographical sketches of to be displayed permanently within the Arts & Crafts Building.

According to the biography which accompanied their enshrinement, the deed to the land which would become the Lippincott family farm in Minerva was first signed by President James Madison in 1815. More than a century later Neil took over the operations of his family’s 230-acre dairy and hog farm at the age of fifteen after the death of his father, plowing his first fields with a horse. Neil’s hard work, sacrifices, and dedication saw the farm which is now home to the seventh and eighth generations of the Lippincott family thrive.

A year after graduating from Minerva High School in 1950, Neil would marry Shirley, who Fair Board Member Don Humphrey said became an essential part of the farm’s management and operations working “side by side” in all aspects of their daily work including milking Holsteins raising hogs, and growing corn, wheat, oats, alfalfa hay and soybeans.

“They often put the farm before themselves, and steadily built their herd, and invested in equipment and acreage,” said Humphrey.

Fair Board Member Don Humphrey said it was an honor to present the 25th class of the Columbiana County Agricultural Hall of Fame. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Neil was described as a lifelong learner who regularly attended educational meetings and farms tours to keep “abreast of ways to improve his farm,” and as “a strong proponent of natural resource conservation” implementing practices to combat soil erosion and restore degraded land.

“The Lippincotts’ dedication went beyond their farm, as they were both active members in the Columbiana County Farm Bureau, and lifetime members of the Bayard United Methodist Church, where they volunteered in many ways. Their support and leadership were witnessed throughout the West Township community, and beyond,” said Humphrey.

Roush was described as a man who dedicated his life to serving others, serving his country in the United State Navy and Army from 1957 to 1978, retiring after 20 years as a warrant officer. Roush’s service to his country included two tours in Vietnam during which his actions earned him two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart prior to returning to Columbiana County in Wayne Township to farm with his wife Carole and three sons.

Roush’s service continued when he returned home, sharing his passion for education and teaching agricultural equipment mechanics at the Columbiana County Career Technical Center, then named the Columbiana County Joint Vocational School, and advising its Future Farmers of America chapter.

“For the next 22 years, Roush made an impact on the future of agriculture and the lives of countless young people. Through his classroom, FFA leadership and mentoring, he influenced hundreds of students to become successful, not only in agriculture, but in other facets of business, and in life. He retired from teaching in 2000,” said Humphrey

Tom Roush’s sons, Tim, left, and Chip, thanked everyone in attendance who came to honor their father, including family both local and who traveled from out of state, friends, and former students. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Roush also served in several other leadership roles throughout the county including: two terms on the Southern Local Board of Education; one term as a Wayne Township Trustee; multiple years on the Columbiana County Junior Fair Hog and Lamb Committee; and 26 years as Firefighter, Captain and Trustee of the Highlandtown Fire Department, during which he was named Firefighter of the Year twice.

“Tom Roush’s life was defined by service — to his country, his students and to Columbiana County. Whether in uniform, in the classroom, or in his community, he gave his time, energy, and heart to make a difference. His legacy lives on in the generations he taught, the lives he protected, and the community he helped build,” said Humphrey.

Neil and Shirley Lippincott’s portrait was unveiled and presented to their children who reflected on the sacrifices made by their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, for the good of the farm and their community. Pictured from left are Richard Lippincott, Jenny James Lippincott, and Dan Lippincott. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

The Lippincott family came together to celebrate the joint induction of Neil and Shirley into the hall of fame, joining both of Neil’s grandfathers and his parents. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

ollowing the ceremony the Roush family came together to celebrate Thomas’s induction. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)