Monday is Zach, Tuesday is Paige, Wednesday is Carson, Thursday is Connor, Friday is Riley, Saturday is Sam and Sunday is Cortney.
Not every day is the same for Alan Mudd, but he can at least count on a phone call to one of his seven grandchildren each day of the week. To Mudd, there is nothing more important than faith, family and fellowship.
Other than being a father, grandfather and husband, Mudd is somewhat of a rockstar in the community, too. He has been involved with the school board, St. Joseph Cathedral, Board of Realtors, Cole County Special Services Board, the Human Relations Commission for the city, Rotary Club, Transformational Housing Board, Salvation Army, Samaritan Center, Habitat For Humanity, Chamber of Commerce Board, Historic City of Jefferson and more.
He wears a lot of hats. Between also being a landlord, a veteran, a retired teacher and a somewhat retired Realtor, Mudd stays busy.
After moving to Jefferson City in 1972, Mudd began teaching mathematics at Simonsen Junior High School. He taught for about 30 years and has always had a passion for education, which led him to serve on the school board for six years -- a responsibility that is not for the faint-hearted.
"There are a number of people within the family in education, and I feel very strongly about the importance of education," Mudd said. "I try to do anything I can to encourage individuals and support the schools."
Pertaining to his everyday life, Mudd credits his compassionate nature to his upbringing.
"We grew up on a small farm -- a farming community -- and neighbors help neighbors," he said. "We didn't have a whole lot, but what we had, we shared. And I think that sticks with you."
Now, Mudd's bones may be more fragile than they used to be and joint pain may be more prevalent, but he still finds ways to be of service to the community no matter what.
The Rotary Club is involved in building houses for Habitat for Humanity, and even though he and his wife are not able to help with more taxing labor, they've helped with installing the floor joists and siding on houses.
"I can't climb on ladders, but I can help with Habitat in other ways, and the same with the other organizations," Mudd said. "There's always something you can do."
Two passions
Mudd is passionate about many organizations and communities in town, but his involvement in St. Joseph's Cathedral is paramount. "If you rank my passions, my first passion is my faith," he said.
He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, which is the largest Catholic fraternal service organization in the world, and he is on the foundation board at St. Joseph's Cathedral. There, he oversees voting on the distribution of funds and reviews the investment of funds according to the wishes of the donors.
"I'm always encouraged by people who support their faith, share their faith," he said. "I think that's the only thing I can count on."
Family is Mudd's second passion.
Much of the stability in his life comes from his wife and her selflessness. "She never meets a stranger and never turns her back on anybody," Mudd said. "She's more generous than anybody I've ever met, and that's encouraging to me to do what I can."
Between four children, seven -- soon to be 10 -- grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his wonderful wife and all the work he does in the community, Alan Mudd has his hands full. And even at 77 years old, that's just how he likes it.
Salvation Army Board members Earl Cannon, middle, Alan Mudd, second from right, and Karen Taylor listen as Cpt. Justin Windell, at left, talks about the donor wall which recognizes contributors to the Salvation Army in levels known as lieutenants, captains, majors, colonels and commissioners, based on the amount given. Second from left, is Center of Hope Shelter Manager Brian Vogeler. (Julie Smith/News Tribune photo)
Not only does Alan Mudd love volunteering for a number of Jefferson City causes, he loves his wife, Betty, and presented a her a bouquet of red roses after she accepted the 2014 Live United Award for her volunteerism at the United Way of Central Missouri office. (Julie Smith/News Tribune file photo)