Two branches of Everett family honored for service to 4-H

July 30 – Doug and Nanette Everett came with their children and extended family to watch his parents get inducted into the Boone County 4-H Hall of Fame and take pictures of their surprised faces at the close of the Boone County 4-H Fair.

Then the tables turned and Doug and Nanette were also introduced, while a crowd of the family quietly listened to their story and took photos to remember the occasion.

The Everetts are a sworn bunch. And anyone who has participated in Boone County’s 4-H projects since the 1960s has likely benefited from their involvement, even though they may not recognize them.

Bryan Knoper, President of the Boone County 4-H Fair Board, introduced the two branches of the Fayette family during the Miss Boone County Pageant. He started with Aaron and Carolyn who both grew up in Boone County and completed 10 years of 4-H.

Aaron first noticed the cute Jamestown girl when Carolyn Henry and her mother brought back a bale of straw he’d lost on the road ahead of them, Knoper said. Little did Aaron know that Carolyn had secretly admired him for some time.

They started dating, but Aaron was given two business trips to the U.S. Army, and the couple married when he was on leave in 1962.

They returned to the Fayette farm in 1963 and began helping the 4-H club leaders before their own children were even old enough to attend. Those inducted into the Hall of Fame must be outstanding citizens and demonstrate leadership qualities. And they must have served 4-H for at least two decades, but Aaron and Carolyn have volunteered for more than 50 years.

When they got home, Aaron and Carolyn rented his grandfather’s farm and reared pigs to the end, then took over the farm from Aaron’s father when he retired in the 1970s.

They raised Miss Boone County in 1982, Linda Everett Patneaude, who now lives in Florida with husband Bruce and sons Clark and Blake.

Doug and Nanette live with Aaron and Carolyn, and their son Tyler now works full-time on the family farm. A total of six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren are on the way.

The story goes on

Aaron and Carolyn’s volunteering for Boone County 4-H and the Boone County Home Extension ranges from being project leaders in Perry Township to working in the beehive to collecting trash on the fairgrounds.

Doug and Nanette accompanied Carolyn onto the stage for a photo, congratulations from Knoper and warm applause. Aaron was recovering from a medical procedure at home and was unable to attend.

“I know he’ll be thrilled to hear this,” Carolyn told the crowd.

But Knopfer called Doug and Nanette back on stage a few minutes later, this time as thanks for their own service.

Nanette said they were glad they persuaded Carolyn by taking her there for presentation without their knowledge, and they were surprised when the tables were turned and they were introduced themselves.

Doug completed 10 years of 4-H in Boone County and Nanette Patrick completed 10 years in Tippecanoe County.

Both attended Purdue University, and during those years he began working as a leader and supervisor at the 4-H camp. She represented Indiana 4-H at the international 4-H youth exchange in Holland and was a 4-H camp companion shortly after graduation.

Doug then worked in Boone County while Nanette taught home economics in Indianapolis and was the youth coordinator for Decatur Township 4-H in Marion County.

Her first date was attending a 4-H pig show she coordinated.

Fast forward to today, and their four children each completed 10 years of 4-H and then signed up for Boone County 4-H Fairs as a project manager and in other roles. Doug and Nanette are expecting their first two grandchildren this fall.

Over the years, the two 4-H have been club leaders and encourage club members to do community service and learn more life skills each year.

Nanette is a member of the Boone County Fair Board and Doug is a member of the Boone County Extension Board.

The couple are often seen putting up displays, checking tapes, or even soaking up ice cream with their club at fair shake.

Sam Mitchell and Wade Thatcher were also inducted into the Boone County 4-H Hall of Fame on Saturday for their relentless service and service to the organization.