This past summer the State Fair Community College Agriculture Club purchased a 1938, Unstyled John Deere B tractor with money donated in memory of William E. “Bill” Klein to the SFCC Foundation to support the college’s Agriculture program. For most of his life, Klein farmed in Pettis County and was fond of John Deere tractors.
The Agriculture Club will use the tractor to represent and promote the Agriculture program at campus and community events and parades. Mel Tupper from Springfield, Nebraska, restored the 1938 tractor, which was the last year John Deere produced the model B unstyled, without fenders, grills or sheet metal covering the radiator.
Members of Klein’s family recently gathered in front of the Potter-Ewing Agriculture Building on the Sedalia campus for a picture with the antique tractor. From left, Teresa Klein, daughter-in-law; Jamie Taylor, wife of Zack Taylor, grandson; Kara, wife of Kevin Klein, grandson, with Kash, great grandson; Meagan Klein, granddaughter; Gale Klein, daughter; Gwen Klein, wife; Zach Taylor, grandson; and Larry Klein, son. Sitting on the tractor, from left, Kylie Taylor, great granddaughter; Jerry Klein, son; Kassidy Taylor, great granddaughter; and Drake Davis, great grandson.
