PDG John Southard (Charter Member)

   As Lions, we hold ourselves to the absolute highest standards in everything we do! Our members are dedicated to serving others, and it shows! We champion kindness in our communities and actively work to improve the lives of all people! The Killeen Evening Lions Club has been servicing our communities and abroad for over 56 years! 

The Founding of the Killeen Evening Lions Club:

   Retired army officers while attending a barbecue at a ranch in Killeen, sat on hay bales and discussed the need for a second Lion’s Club – an Evening Club! WWII & Korean War Soldiers were retiring and staying in Killeen and the city began to expand eastward. District Governor, John R. “Bob” Lane of Killeen Lion’s Club, led the discussion. Member recruitment that fall was aimed at civil service and high school teachers. (3 retired officers recruited 9 teachers from KISD). The charter signed was 2/3 civil service and 1/3 Killeen High School & Nolan Jr. High School teachers.

The Beginnings

   The clubs created the GKLF to raise money to build a Lion’s Den (7 members from each club). We built, in partnership with the city and state, a Lion’s Sports Park on Stan Schlueter Loop. Built a handicapped playground at Crawford Drever Memorial Playground & added covered picnic tables.

District Governor

KELC 1st District Governor, Crawford Drever, was elected in 1977.

Willy Jefferson was elected in 1989 and was the 1st African American Governor in the State of Texas.

Charity Bingo

1981 Texas authorized charity bingo.

Community support

Carnival & later bingo allowed the club to support many local charities.

             The Girl Scout’s House – replaced heater & air conditioner.

             Senior citizens—built kitchen.

             USO/YMCA – covered pool tables & purchased TV’s.

             Killeen parks – benches at Long Branch Park.

             KISD – handicapped children

             Eyeglasses for needy students

Year of the woman

LCI granted women the right to be Lions.

1st two women to join KELC were Gladys Tramp & Janice Tooke.

Both women became leaders in District as District Governors.

Today, KELC has over 50% female members.