Monday's Internet Edition, October 06, 2008.
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| CHARLES BAGGETT was surrounded by famly members when he received his award Saturday. – Photo by ADRIENNE DALE |
News editor
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Members of the Copperas Cove Exchange Club gathered Saturday to honor Charles Baggett as the recipient of the 32 annual Book of Golden Deeds Award.
The Book of Golden Deeds is a community service project of the National Program of Service sponsored by hundreds of Exchange Clubs as a regular recurring activity.
The purpose of the award is to recognize the good deeds of people of everyday life. It is exclusively an Exchange Club project that documents their accomplishments to future generations.
President of the Exchange Club Annabelle Smith officiated the event while entertainment was provided by Christian Band named Gene Snow.
Special guests included Baggett’s family, Laura White of the Gatesville Exchange Club, and Abe Heen who is the District president of the Exchange Club.
“This year we deviated from procedure in the award,” Smith said, “We discussed who the recipient would be and instead of waiting to announce the winner during the banquet, we decided to let him know ahead of time”
Baggett was born June 4, 1927 in Stanford. He graduated from A&M University where he went on to join the military. Afterwards Baggett graduated from University of Texas with a degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering.
Baggett is now the owner of Baggett Drug Co., located off of Ave. D. He has been there since 1961 when it was Britt Drugs of Copperas Cove. He bought the pharmacy in 1976 and has since changed the name. Bagget was a City Council Member from 1967 until 1971 and again from 1979 through 1985. Baggett was also Mayor Pro-Tem from 1970-1971 and 1982-1985. Baggett was also involved with Denton Lions from 1952-1963 where he was named president in 1962. He also is a current member of the Texas Lions Camp for Crippled Children, Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce, and Copperas Cove Industrial Foundation.
In 2000 Baggett was named Senior Citizen of the Quarter.
Baggett is also chairman of the Central Texas College Board of Trustees.
“We do not know of any time where one hasn’t gone to Mr. Baggett for a donation and been turned down,” Smith said.
Smith then opened the floor for other members to speak on deeds of Mr. Baggett.
“Mr. Baggett has been a great neighbor to us and to Copperas Cove,” Linda Ledger said, “If you’re a Ledger and if you get in trouble and we need you, we’ll call on you. And let me tell you that Charlie Baggett always keeps a listed number.”
Ledger went on to tell of a time when they needed advice when their child had a health problem and they had called on Baggett who came after business hours to deliver the medicine needed.
“Mr. Baggett is a very very generous man,” Les Ledger said, “At one time or another he has helped us through what was a traumatic experience for us.”
Smith then went on to read a letter from George Leonard owner of Home Lumber Co. in Copperas Cove.
The letter went on to state that that citizens of Copperas Cove trusted Baggett more than their own doctors.
“If we would line up all the people who Mr. Baggett has helped, this whole campus wouldn’t house them.” Smith said, “With Mr. Baggett, he never meets a stranger.”