South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Oakville man selected as finalist for Georgia Frontiere Community Quarterback Award

Rams owner Lucia Rodriguez presents Oakville resident Lee Burkemper with his award as a finalist for the Georgia Frontiere Community Quarterback Award.
Rams owner Lucia Rodriguez presents Oakville resident Lee Burkemper with his award as a finalist for the Georgia Frontiere Community Quarterback Award.

Oakville resident Lee Burkemper recently was honored by the St. Louis Rams as one of 10 finalists for the annual Georgia Frontiere Community Quarterback Award.

Burkemper was nominated by Lemay Child & Family Center Executive Director Elaine Powers because of the hours of volunteer service he has provided at the center for nearly five years, according to a news release.

As a retiree, Burkemper likes to spend time on the golf course with his friends. But he still finds time nearly every week to provide invaluable maintenance and repair services to the nonprofit center and he has saved Lemay Child & Family Center thousands of dollars over the years. His work has included fixing broken furniture, painting, clearing out overgrown brush around the center, clearing and tilling ground for the center’s garden and securing donations to help keep expenses low.

“Lee’s contributions go far beyond the valuable handyman services he provides,” Powers stated in the release. “He recruits his friends to help with projects and he brings them with him to our special events. He serves as a positive male role model for the children in the center who love it when ‘Mr. Lee’ visits their classrooms.”

Burkemper was selected as one of 10 finalists from among more than 90 nominations submitted by not-for-profit organizations throughout the region. The finalists were recognized at a luncheon at Rams Park, where they received their awards, including cash grants for their organization.

Awards were presented by team owner Lucia Rodriguez and recipients also had an opportunity to meet Rams quarterbacks Sam Bradford and A.J. Feeley.

Lemay Child & Family Center received a grant of $1,250 to support the center’s scholarship program. Finalists also were treated to two tickets to the Nov. 20 Rams game and participated in a pregame recognition ceremony on the field.

Burkemper, who is retired from Merck, also is a member of the Mehlville Optimist Club. He is an avid golfer and he has learned to play the organ. He enjoys his children, grandchildren and recently became a great-grandfather. On Dec. 9, he and his wife, Marlene, will be at the center playing Santa and Mrs. Claus at Breakfast With Santa.