Missouri Southern State University - Crossroads Yearbook (Joplin, MO)

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(Above) Bob Hope performs in Missouri Southern’s Hughes Stadium. (Left) Joplin Mayor Kay Wells presents the comedian a book about the history of Joplin.— Photos by Daphne Massa and Martin Oetting Bob Hope ★

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(Below) Comedian Bob Hope steps off his airplane at the Joplin Municipal Airport. (Right) Hope greets fans and members of the media prior to a press conference. (Bottom) At the airport press conference, Hope responds to a question. — Photos by Martin Oetting Dean of Comedy performs in fund-raiser... Hope charms Joplin crowd Bob Hope, the “Dean of Comedy,” enter¬ tained an audience of 5,000 in a charity con¬ cert Saturday, Aug. 31 in Missouri Southern’s Hughes Stadium. Raising money for the Missouri Southern Foundation and an arthritis center planned by St. John’s Regional Medical Center, Hope charmed the crowd for an hour and 15 minutes with monologue, songs, and comments about Joplin. An example of Hope’s humor: As residents of Joplin stared at his limousine as it moved down Rangeline dur¬ ing afternoon traffic, Hope said he asked the driver of the limousine if it was the only such vehicle in Joplin. Hope said the driver replied, “I’m an undertaker, and this is a hearse, so sit up straight.” Also appearing with Hope, 82, were former Miss Alabama Patricia Price and Kan¬ sas City’s Jimmy Tucker and His Orchestra. Arriving Saturday afternoon at the Joplin Municipal Airport on a twin-engine jet bear¬ ing the initials “BH” on its tail, Hope con¬ ducted a 15-minute press conference in the 90-degree heat. He said his greatest con¬ tribution to the field of entertainment has been “showing up.” Joplin Mayor Kay Wells presented a book about the city’s history, written by Southern professor Gail Renner, to the comedian. Wells said she had proclaimed the Saturday as Bob Hope Day in Joplin. When asked about fellow veteran per¬ former George Burns, Hope said: “George Burns in unbelievable. He’s my model. He’s one kid that calls me ‘Sonny,’ and I ap¬ preciate it.” Responding to a question about the longevity of his marriage, Hope attributed that success saying, “Well, I’ve been mar¬ ried 51 years, and I’ve been home three weeks.” Bob Hope ★

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(Clockwise from top left) Marsha Bishop is crowned 1985 Homecoming royalty by Michelle Testman, the 1984 winner. Bishop and Mary Hamilton, first runner-up, pose for photographers. Larry Moore was honored during Homecoming festivities as the 1985 Outstanding Alumnus. Students move through the food line during the annual cookout, which was held in the Billingsly Center — Photos by Allen Stinebrook Homecoming ★