The Jerry Litton Family Memorial Foundation

The Jerry Litton Family Memorial Foundation was established in 1976 to honor the legacy of Congressman Jerry Litton and his family, who tragically lost their lives that same year. After receiving hundreds of letters and donations from across the country, Jerry’s parents—Charley and Mildred Litton—formed a lasting tribute that would reflect the values Jerry championed: agriculture, education, leadership, and community involvement.

Working with local advisors and legal counsel, the Foundation was chartered as a not-for-profit memorial that honored not only Jerry, but his wife Sharon and their children, Linda and Scott. The first board meeting was held in Chillicothe, Missouri, on September 30, 1976, and the Foundation has continued to serve the region and state for nearly five decades.

Today, the Foundation remains committed to the principles that defined Jerry Litton’s life: service rooted in community, leadership grounded in agriculture and education, and opportunity for future generations.

• 1976: Foundation formally established; national memorial dinner featuring presidential candidate Jimmy Carter generates more than $33,000 in support.
   
• 1978: Foundation publishes the first biography of Jerry Litton. The biography continues to be updated and reprinted, most recently in 2023.
   
• 1980: After the passing of founder Charley Litton, Mildred Litton becomes president, ensuring continuity and growth.
   

• In partnership with Senator Thomas Eagleton and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Foundation funds the creation of the Jerry Litton Visitors Center at Smithville Lake, featuring exhibits and a documentary narrated by Walter Cronkite.
   
• Hundreds of thousands of visitors and FFA students have since toured the center. Exhibits were remodeled and updated again in 2008 and 2023.
   

• The Foundation funded the renovation of Chillicothe High School’s stadium in 1979 and continues to support the current Jerry Litton Memorial Stadium, dedicated in 2012.
   
• In 2022, the stadium was named Missouri’s Soccer Facility of the Year.
   

• The Litton Agri-Science Learning Center was established with Foundation leadership and challenge funding. The facility later expanded to host the Livingston County Fairgrounds.
   
• In 2010, the Foundation supported the construction of the Litton Agricultural Education Center, a full-scale educational facility housing classrooms, labs, a shop, and greenhouse.
   

• The Foundation established the Jerry Litton Fund for Agricultural Leadership at the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CAFNR).
   
• The program supports scholarships, the Litton Leadership Scholars, and a national lecture series. More than 242 Litton Scholars have now completed the program.
   

The Foundation continues the work begun by Charley and Mildred Litton, investing in programs that advance leadership, agriculture, education, youth development, and community pride. Its mission is to support agricultural, educational, and athletic activities in memory of the Litton family.

Today, the Foundation’s primary focus includes:

• Support for the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center
   
• Teacher grants, youth programming, internships, livestock education, and outdoor learning experiences
   
• Funding for leadership initiatives statewide, including the Litton Scholars Program at the University of Missouri
   

• Scholarships for Chillicothe High School students demonstrating leadership and service
   
• Investments in county fair operations, agriculture learning facilities, and youth engagement
   
• Support for 4-H, FFA, ALOT, American Legion Baseball, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and other qualified programs
   

• Ongoing support for the Jerry Litton Memorial Stadium
   
• Assistance with community recreation projects that benefit youth and public education