District 18-A

Dr. Don W. Schmidt (Elaine)

1961-62

Past District Governor Don Schmidt joined the Lincolnton Lions Club in July of 1952. He has been a member of several other Lions Clubs including the Cedartown Lions Club of which he was a Charter Member. Past District Governor Schmidt's record of service is long and impressive. He served his club in many capacities and his District as Zone Chairman 1960-61; Zone Chairman 1989-90; and District Governor 1961-62. He has served as an ex-officio member of several Governor's Cabinets. He served the State Lions as Vice President of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation 1970-71, 1976-77, and President of the Lighthouse 1977-79. Dr Schmidt served as International Director in 1971-73 and was on the International Board 1973-74 as PID serving on International Committees. He is the recipient of numerous awards including the District Governors Award, the Tom Bingham Award, and is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Frederick William Scanling (Lou)

1962-63

Past District Governor Bill Scanling joined the Henry Grady Lions Club in February of 1952. He has served in almost all the chairs of Lionism, including Bulletin Editor for 8 years. He served as Deputy District Governor in 1955-56. He has been a life member of his club since 1963, and has attended several International and State Conventions, including the International Convention in Nice, France.

Stan R. Kelly (Emily)

1964-65

Past District Governor Stanley Kelley joined the East Marietta Lions Club in September 1958 as a Charter Member and is now a life member of his Club. He served his club as 3rd Vice President 1960-61, 2nd Vice President 1961-62, President 1962-63, and was Club Secretary for 22 years 1967-89. He served as Club Director 1989 and District Librarian 1980-89. Awards include the Melvin Jones Fellow Award.

Frank H. Durham (Martha)

1965-66

Past District Governor Frank Durham joined the College Park Lions Club in April of 1957. He is now a member of the Hapeville Lions Club. Past District Governor Durham has served his club in many capacities including Lion Tamer, Director, Secretary-Treasurer, 3rd Vice President, 2nd Vice President, and Club President three times. He served the District as Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor, District Governor, Ex-Officio Cabinet Member, and on numerous Committees. He worked with the Peach Bowl 18 years, and has 12 years of perfect attendance. He has attended 31 state conventions, 6 International Conventions, and 2 USA/Canada Forums. His oldest son served as District Governor for 1973-74.

George P. Crumbley, Jr. (Carolyn)

1969-70

Past District Governor George Crumbley joined the Atlanta Lions Club in August of 1958 and now is a life member of the club. He has served Lionism in many areas including District Governor. He was International Director 1974-76, and was appointed to the International Board by three International Presidents. He was one of the five Lions to secure the Peach Bowl Certification, and served as Executive Director of the Peach Bowl for 18 years. He was Lion of the Year in 1968 and is a lifetime director of the Lighthouse. He served as Trustee of the Georgia Lions Eye Bank at Emory University. Past District Governor Crumbley is the recipient of many awards and special recognitions, including the Ambassador of Good Will Award from Lions International. He is the recipient of 13 International Presidential Awards.

William J. Bramblett (Mary Ellen)

1971-72

Past District Governor William Bramblett joined the Rossville Lions Club in March of 1964. Since that time he has served Lionism in many capacities including District Governor, District Governors Cabinet for 20 years, and Director for the Camp for the Blind.

Frank J. Burnette (Polly)

1976-77

Past District Governor Frank Burnette joined the Calhoun Lions Club in 1960, and has been very active in Lionism since, serving in all positions within his club, including 18 years as Club Secretary. His service to the District includes Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor, District Governor. In addition, he has served on 18 District Governors Cabinets. Other service to Lionism includes Vice President of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation for three terms, and Director of the Peach Bowl. Past District Governor Frank's many awards include the Key Awards and the Extension Award.

Charles L. Pickell (Ellen)

1977-78

Past District Governor Charles Pickell joined the Dalton Lions Club in 1969. Past District Governor Pickell service his club as Director, Tailtwister, and was a 100% President in 1973-74. He served the District as Zone Chairman 1974-75, Deputy District Governor 1975-76, District Governor 1977-78, Cabinet Advisor 1978079, Convention Chairman 1979-80, Eye Bank Chairman 1980-82, Lighthouse Vice President 1982-84, Extension Chairman 1984-85, and as District Tailtwister 1988-89. He served as Lighthouse Secretary 1985-87, and Lighthouse President 1987-90. He is the recipient of several awards and special recognitions.

W. Melville "Mel" Johnson (Ellen)

1979-80

Past District Governor Mel Johnson joined the Northeast Atlanta Lions Club in February 1954, and has been very active in Lionism since. He served his club as President three times, 1975-76, 1987-88, and 1989-90. He served the District as Zone Chairman 1976-77, Deputy District Governor 1977-78, Lighthouse Director 1976-79, Lighthouse Treasurer 1979-82, Lighthouse Vice President 1984-86, and Lighthouse Secretary 1987-90. He has also served on numerous Committees including Hearing Aid Bank Chairman 1979-86, State Long Range Planning Committee 1988-90.

Fred Wilenchek (Helen)

1982-83

Past District Governor Fred Wilenchek was a Charter Member of the Henry Grady Lions Club which he joined in July of 1950. He has held all the Club Offices except Treasurer, and was President twice, 1970-71 and 1980-81. He has been Bulletin Editor for the past two and one half years. Due to business involvement, he had to drop out of the Lions Club from 1953 to 1965, but rejoined in 1965. He has attended four International Conventions and a USA/Canada Forum. For three years he was involved in the PGA Senior Golf Tournament. He has also served the district as District Hearing Aid Chairman and State Hearing and Speech Action working with Deaf Chairman.

Grover J. Newman (Darlene)

1984-85

Past District Governor Grover Newman was a Charter Member of the Chickamauga Lions Club in November of 1966. Since then he has held every office in the Club at least once and has a perfect attendance record. He has attended 17 State Conventions, 8 International Conventions and 3 USA/Canada Forums. He is the recipient of the 100% District Governors Award, the Governors Award from the Lighthouse and is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

B. E. "Bill" Tanner

1985-86

Past District Governor Bill Tamer joined the Jasper Lions Club in 1974. He was a 100% Club President. Beyond his club, he served as 100% Zone Chairman, 100% Deputy District Governor, and 100% District Governor. He has served as Vice President of the Lighthouse and Multiple District Train-The-Trainer and Multiple District Youth Exchange Chairman. He was Council Chairman in 1991-92 and Council Advisor in 1992-93. His awards include the International President's Award, the International Leadership Award, two International Certificates of Appreciation and the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. He is the holder of the Lions International Membership Key, Membership Advancement Key, and the Membership Master Key. He has attended 8 International Conventions and 4 USA/Canada Forums.

Ron Porter (Barbara)

1987-88

Past District Governor Ron Porter joined the Northeast Atlanta Lions Club in October of 1974. He served his Club in every office and the District as Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor, District Governor, Tailtwister, and as Chairman of several District Committees. He was Council Chairman 1987-88, and has served as Director of the Pepsi Senior Challenge Golf Tournament.

Harold R. Hobbs (B. J.)

1988-89

Past District Governor Harold Hobbs joined the Smyrna Lions Club in April of 1974. He served his Club as Director, Treasurer, President, and on numerous Committees. His service to his District includes 100% Zone Chairman, 100% Region Chairman, and 100% District Governor. He was Council Secretary, State Newsletter Editor, Secretary-Treasurer of the Georgia Pin Traders Club, Director of the Lighthouse, and Director of the Camp for the Blind.

Hart H. Gates (Roberta)

1989-90

Past District Governor Hart Gates joined the Marietta Lions Club in May of 1961. Since then he has served in every Club Office except Secretary, was Club Treasurer for 9 years, and was 100% President in 1967. He has a Perfect Attendance Record for 29 years. In the District he has served as 100% Zone Chairman, 100% Region Chairman, and 100% District Governor. He is the recipient of the Past President's Award and the Melvin Jones Fellow Award.

Wayne O'Neal (Delle Marie)

1990-91

Past District Governor Wayne O'Neal joined the Jasper Lions Club in 1979. He has served his Club as Lion Tamer, Director, Tail Twister, 3rd Vice President, 2nd Vice President, and 1st Vice President. District Service includes Region Chairman, Lt. Governor, Membership Chairman, District Governor, and Vice President of the Camp for the Blind.

Haynes H. Townsend (Donna)

1991-92

Past District Governor Haynes Townsend joined the Dalton Noon Lions Club in1977. At the club level PDG Townsend served in every office. At the District level he is a past Zone Chairman, Region Chairman and Lieutenant Governor. At the State level Lion Hanes was 100% District Governor 1991-92, Past President of the Past District Governors Association. Outstanding Vice-President of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation and President of the Lighthouse for three terms. Was Chairman of the Georgia Lions All-State Band (2000-01). Was founder of the Georgia Lions Children's Eye Care Center at Emory University. Lion Haynes is currently serving MD 18 Lions of Georgia as Leadership Development Chairperson. He is actively training our future District Leaders.

PDG Townsend is the recipient of the following awards: Melvin Jones Fellow, Tom Bingham Fellow, received the first Jim Carithers award for outstanding Lighthouse Vice President, Received five International President's Certificates of Appreciation and two International President's Leadership Awards. He was the Dalton Noon Lions Clubs "Lion of the Year" for 1984-85, 1988-89 and 1990-91.

Community and Professional:

Past District Governor Townsend is Judge of the Magistrate Court of Whitfield County, Ga. He serves as Vice-President of the State Council of magistrate court judges. He received three special recognition awards from the State Council of Magistrate Court Judges.

PDG Townsend is married to the former Donna Lord, who is a Lion and has served as Cabinet Secretary for District 18-A on several occasions.

Roderick (Rod) Hume

1992-93

Past District Governor Roderick (Rod) Hume joined the Marietta Lions club in June of 1974. He has served all positions of his club except Secretary and Treasurer. At the District level he served as Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, Deputy District Governor and District Governor. He was District 18-A Convention Chairman, Leader Dog Chairman for 7 years and was Director of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation. He attended 4 International Conventions and 16 MD 18 conventions. He is a member of the Georgia and International Pin Trader's Club.

Joe E. Reynolds, Sr. (Jeanne)

1995-96

Past District Governor Joe Reynolds joined the Augusta Lions Club in 1955, transferred to the Smyrna Lions Club in 1964 and transferred again to the South Cobb Club in 1993. He has served his club in all offices, except Treasurer. District Service includes Tail Twister, Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, State Awards Committee, Vice District Governor, District Governor, Vice President of the Lighthouse and Vice President of the Camp for the Blind. He was Chairman of the State Awards Committee and was Chairman of the Order of the Golden Chain Committee for 12 years.

Awards received include two times Lion of the Year, Melvin Jones Fellow, three International President's Award, 5 Golden Chain Awards, International President's Extension Award and International President's Appreciation Award and Outstanding Governor Award.

Community service includes Director of Smyrna Hospital, officiating at school football and basketball games for 30 years. Is an active member of Walker United Methodist Church.

Larry Starr (Barbara)

1996-97

Past District Governor Larry Starr joined the Jasper, Georgia Lions Club in December 1980. He has served his club as Tail Twister, Board Member, Finance Committee Chair, Health Fair Committee Chair, 3rd Vice President, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President and President.

At the District level he served as Council Chairman (97-98) and Council Advisor (98-99). He was also a member of the State Awards Committee.

Lion Larry is the recipient of the following awards: Lion of the Year, 2 International President's Certificates of Appreciation, an International President's Leadership Medal, a Paradigan Award for achieving an increase of 84+ members in 96-97 (as District Governor). He started a "flag" program and the Pickens County Health Fair.

Community service includes food pantry, church activity, Masonic Lodge and school mentor.

Gil Carter

1997-98

Past District Governor joined the Sandy Springs Lions Club in 1974. At the club level he served as Lion Tamer, Tail Twister, Director, Vice President and President. At the District level he served as Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, Vice District Governor and District Governor. He also held the office of Chairman of the International Understanding and Cooperation Committee, Vice President Camp for the Blind and Chairman for Youth Outreach. At the State level Lion Gil was District Governor and received recognition at the International level as 100% District Governor.

He received the District Governor's Excellence Award and is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

PDG Carter is associate Director of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation and is a member of the Youth of the Year Award Committee. He is a member of the Sandy Springs Civic Association "Hammond Park Project".

Lester Dean

1998-99

Past District Governor Lester Dean joined the West Cobb Lions Club in 1977. He has held every office at the club level. He has served District 18-A as Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, Leadership Chairman, LCIF Chairman and Membership Chair.

PDG Lester Dean has received numerous awards during his Lions Career.

Paul R. Johnson

1999-00

Past District Governor Paul R. Johnson joined the Dalton, Ga. Lions Club in November 1987. At the club level he was Program Chairman, White Cane Chairman, Raffle Chair., Mentor, Director, Vice President and President.

At the District Level he was Zone Chairman (2), Region Chairman, Long Range Planning, Convention CoChair, Leadership Chair and White Cane Chairman. At the State Level Lion Paul was Council Chairman, Council Advisor, Retention Chairman, Golden Chain Chairman and General Convention Co-Chair.

At the International level PDG Paul was a member of the Nominating Committee at the Indianapolis Convention.

He is the recipient of the following Awards: LCI "Presidential Medal" (01), LCI Leadership Medal (00), Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, LCI President's Certificate of Appreciation (99 & 00), Tom Bingham Fellow, 10 Million Dollar Club and Golden Chain (2).

PDG Paul is Past Council Chair. (01-02), Council Advisor (01-02), Council Chairman (00-01), District Governor (99-00), Vice District Governor (98-99), MD18 Retention Chairman , 18-A District Convention Chairman, Committee Chair, Children's Eye Care Center at Emory Univ., President of Dist. 18A PDG Assoc. (3), Volunteer Coach Football and Baseball, Parent Teachers Assoc., United Way "Food Distribution Committee", Church Vestry, Leadership Dalton/Whitfield through Chamber of Commerce, General Convention Co-Chair MD18.

Sharlene Warren*

2000-01

Past District Governor Sharlene Warren was the Charter President of the Woodstock Lioness Club when it was formed in June of 1985. In February of 1988 the Woodstock Lioness Club merged with the Woodstock Lions Club.

At the club level PDG Sharlene was Program Chair., Region Chair., Lioness Liaison, Newsletter Editor, Leader Dog Chair., District Public Relations Chair., Vice District Governor and District Governor.

At the State level she was a Trustee for the Camp for the Blind and Camp Associate Director.

Lion Sharlene is the recipient of the following awards: 100% Zone Chair., 100% Region Chair., 100% President, 100% Club Secretary, Melvin Jones Fellow, was named Lion of the Year, District Outstanding Secretary and also, received two International President's Certificates of Appreciation. PDG Sharlene held every position in the Woodstock Lions Club except that of Treasurer. She has 100% attendance for sixteen years and was the sponsor of nine new members into the Woodstock Lions Club.

JOHN W. KEETER

2002-2003

Past District Governor John Keeter joined the Hapeville Lions Club in March of 1987. At the club level he held the office of Tail Twister, Director, Third Vice President, Second Vice President and First Vice President. He was club President twice. At the District level he was Zone Chairman (two times), Region Chairman, Vice District Governor and District Governor. He has also served on numerous committees. At the State level Lion John served as Convention Co-Chairman in 1996 and State Convention Chairman (2002-03). PDG John has received the following awards: Named “Lion of the Year” twice, International President’s Certificate of Appreciation and International President Leadership Medal. Lion John grew up in and around Lions. His father became a Lion when John was five years old and involved him in club activities at an early age. Lion John has attended 12 International Conventions and 19 State Conventions.

EARL CULBERSON

2003-2004

Past District Governor Earl Culberson first became a Lion when he joined the Adairsville, Georgia Lions Club in 1985. At the club level he served as club President as well as many other club officer positions. Lion Earl was Vice District Governor of District 18-A. At the multiple district level he served as Council Chairman during the 2004-2005 Lions year. Past District Governor Earl was awarded the International President’s Leadership medal. Lion Earl participates in many community and Lions projects. Lion Earl is currently serving on the State Level as Extension Chairperson.

MARK MILLER

2004-2005

Past District Governor Mark Miller first became a Lion when he joined the Jasper Lions Club in 1998. At the club level Lion Mark served as Vice President and Club President. Positions held at the District level were Zone Chairman and Region Chairman, Vice District Governor and District Governor. He also served as District Leo Club Chairman and was a member of the District Leadership Development Committee. At the State level PDG Miller served as Council Chair and was a member of the State Convention Committee. Positions held at the International level were membership on the Nominations Committee and the Elections Committee. Lion Mark is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, was recognized as Lion of the Year by his club and, he is the recipient of an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation and Leadership Medal. Lion Mark is currently serving the State as State Convention Co-Chair and MD18 Retention Chairperson.

Jane T. Price

2005-2006

Past District Governor Jane Price first became a Lion when she joined the Canton Lions Club in September 1991. At the club level she served as President twice. On the District level she served on numerous committees and as Vice District Governor and District Governor. PDG Jane was also active in the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation serving as District Director, Secretary and Vice President of the Lighthouse. She is recipient of many awards including Outstanding Vice President of the Lighthouse.