Truitt Lindsay Vinyard was born September 22, 1911, in Piedmont, MO. He attended Central College in Fayette, MO, the University of Wisconsin in Madison, and Drake University in Des Moines. On September 9, 1943, Truitt married Jean Markham Henry in St. Louis.
T.L. Vinyard was very involved in civic and community concerns. He founded Operation Clean Davenport, was past president of the Davenport Quarterback Club, past treasurer and director of the Davenport Chamber of Commerce, director of the Davenport Outing Club, and director of AAA Iowa for 40 plus years. Additionally, he had been director of the Civic Music Association, the Davenport Club and the United Fund. He was a Paul Harris Fellow of the Davenport Rotary Club, a member of the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, and a member of the Mason Trinity Lodge. He was also a member, past elder, and treasurer of First Presbyterian Church. In addition to all of that, Mr. Vinyard was a long-time volunteer and supporter of Valley Shelter Homes.
T.L. Vinyard always held a special place in his heart for young people. His son, John Vinyard, died from a heart defect a few hours after his birth. This terrible loss made Mr. Vinyard reevaluate his life and in doing so, he decided to volunteer at Valley Shelter. “My message is simple,” Vinyard said. “I can’t change the past, but I can help show you how to change the future.” In accordance with this goal, T.L. spent his time providing non-denominational religious activities for young people at the Valley Shelter Homes. From the model child to the most seriously troubled one, Mr. Vinyard proved to be universally loved. He made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of Valley Shelter children over the years.
T.L. established the John Truitt Memorial Fund to honor the life of his son whom he was never able to know. This fund allows the Community Foundation the flexibility to respond to unmet community needs as they arise and vary from year to year. Gifts made to the Community Impact Fund enable the Foundation to make grants that enhance the quality of life in our community.
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