Carl Vogel was an uncommon presence in the political arena; he was totally without guile, theatrics or flamboyance.
The humility and graciousness he brought to the Missouri Capitol were the same qualities he displayed in leadership roles in the community and his family business.
Vogel died Thursday at age 61 after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.
He graduated from Helias High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia before joining the family business, the local Coca-Cola distributor. He was a fourth-generation family member to manage the the business that began as a brewery and added the soft drink operation during Prohibition.
His community involvement included serving as past chairman of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce and Helias Foundation fund drive. He also served on boards for Missouri Industrial Development, Jefferson City Family YMCA, St. Mary’s Health Center and Jefferson City Housing Authority.
He entered politics in 1991 after being elected to what was then the 112th District in the state House of Representatives. He served in the House until term limits ended his tenure, then won election to state Senate, where he served until term limits halted his legislative career in 2011.
After he was elected to represent Central Missouri in the state Senate, I developed the habit of addressing him as senator.
He would react with his uniquely humble smile and say: “It’s just Carl.â€
Some people who rise to levels of achievement insist their titles be used in recognition of their stature.
I referred to him as senator not because he sought or even welcomed recognition; I did so because he had earned my respect.
And I know I am hardly alone. In his own quiet, unassuming way, he earned respect and appreciation from customers, constituents and community members.
The News Tribune joins with people throughout Central Missouri in thanking Carl Vogel for his service in government, business and community betterment.
And, as a personal aside: Rest in peace, senator.
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