Edmond Champions of Character

Lifelong Edmond resident Perry Sneed received recognition as Champion of Character for Dependability during the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust’s (EHPT) monthly meeting on Nov. 7. His fellow associates, Amy Stephens, Stephanie Carel, Judy Pike, Lisa Truesdell and Gary Wallace collaborated to submit his nomination. 

Perry’s roots in Edmond go deep. His mother’s paternal grandfather participated in the land run and homesteaded an area near current day Steeple Chase. Perry and his brother Parker were the first twins born in the “new” Edmond hospital, located in downtown Edmond above the old Bronco Theatre. Othello’s now occupies the space where the theatre once stood. 

Perry met his future wife and lifelong friend Teresa when they were in the 5th grade. They graduated from Edmond High School’s class of ’66. The two married in 1970 in the First Baptist Church of Edmond, where they had both attended from childhood. They were members of MetroChurch for 25 years before returning to First Baptist.

Many former MetroChurch members may remember Perry as the one who was there with a smile and a wave, as they arrived and as they left to go home. Perry followed in his father’s footsteps and established a career in the sheet metal industry. He retired in 2010 after 35 years. They raised two children, Nikki and Houston. Nikki is married to Scott Schilling. Houston and his wife Kristin are the parents of Lily and Ava.

Perry and Teresa still live on the property purchased by Perry’s mother’s maternal grandparents back in 1911.

Perry discovered the EHPT through one of their ’66 classmates, Cynthia Baim. He and Teresa went through the Ghost Tour. Perry asked Cynthia, “How do you get involved with this? I’ve lived in Edmond all of my life and I’ve got stories to tell.” Cynthia introduced him to the board, and he has faithfully served for the past decade. 

EHPT volunteers were responsible for preserving Edmond’s first schoolhouse. The property is owned by the City of Edmond. However, it is maintained by volunteers on the EHPT. It is believed to be the last remaining original 1889 building in Edmond. Hundreds of tourists, citizens and school children visit each year.

Edmond Historical Museum’s director, Amy Stephens said, “Perry takes his responsibility on the Trust very seriously because he deeply loves Edmond history.” 

Fellow board member of the EHPT, Lisa Truesdale, echoed her observation and said, “Every committee can count on Perry’s assistance if he is able to provide it.”

Anyone who knows Perry knows he has a heart for service. Perry said, “I’ve always felt my gift from the Lord is as a servant.” Teresa agreed.

Perry went on to express that he takes the responsibility as a volunteer as though it were a paid position. Perry said, “You’re not getting paid, but it’s just like they hired you. They depend on you being there.” Consequently, he doesn’t commit to doing something unless he believes he can be dependable.

Teresa said, “I can’t think of anything that Perry has volunteered for or committed to that he doesn’t give 100 percent. He says he’ll do it. He does it.” 

Amy said, “Unlike a modern property, the 134-year-old building requires archaic repairs, which results in unavailable parts and creative fixes. Perry is excellent at developing solutions that repair the building but maintain its historic integrity. His labor of love is actually labor, because Perry does everything from ongoing yard work and plumbing repair to climbing up the ladder to fix the steeple bell.”

Stephanie Carel, former president of the Edmond Historical Preservation Trust said, “It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, if something is needed at the schoolhouse, Perry is there within a moment’s notice.” 

Amy added, “Even if it is an early-morning or middle-of-the-night issue. Perry grabs his flashlight and shows up.”

In addition to his devotion to the EHPT, he has served for the past 25 years as a volunteer with the Central Oklahoma United Way and also the Central Oklahoma Workforce Investment Board.

“You know if Perry says he will be there, you are assured that he will fulfill the obligation—with a great attitude and a smile on his face!” said Stephanie.

On behalf of the City of Edmond and the Character Council of Edmond, Perry Sneed was honored as a Champion of Character for exemplifying the character trait of Dependability, defined by Character First as “Fulfilling commitments even in the face of difficulty.”

The Character Council is a grassroots, nonprofit organization committed to creating a citywide initiative to build Edmond into a "Community of Character." The group believes that the character of a nation can only be strengthened one person at a time, one community at a time. Toward that end, the Character Council of Edmond seeks to recognize residents who demonstrate character, as witnessed by those who have been affected and influenced.

Pictured: Perry Sneed

Please complete the form located on our website to recognize an EDMOND citizen for a specific character trait. Forms may be submitted from the website or mailed to the 

Character Council of Edmond 

Champions of Character

PO Box 392 

Edmond, OK 73083-0392.

or contact: Gloria Baumann (405) 317-9089    Gloria_Baumann@outlook.com  

Champions of Character Honorees

2010 to Present

• Irene Liang   Punctuality October, 2023
• Jeff Morefield Courage July, 2023
• Shaun Pryor Flexibility June 2023
• Diana Pate Generosity April, 2023
• Jim Hulsey Enthusiasm March, 2023
• Carol Anderson Orderliness September, 2022
• Susan Isaacs Patience June, 2022
• Stephanie Carel Creativity April, 2022
• Salvador Garcia Trustworthiness March, 2022
• Beth Conner Diligence March, 2022
• Darrell Davis Respect January, 2022
• Judy Pike Thoroughness December, 2021
• Gary Wallace Loyalty September, 2021
• Sondra Reid Availability August, 2021
• Becky Crow Honesty March 2021
• Justin Rowley Positivity February, 2021
• Laura Liles Resilience December, 2020
• Pete Reeser  Courage December, 2020
• Amy Stephens Dependability  December, 2020
• Michelle Schaefer Discipline June, 2020
• Dick Opalka Generosity February, 2019
• Yara Ford  Attentiveness  March, 2019
• Chrislyn Sperry  Respect   January, 2019
• Kathryn Olds Persuasiveness  November, 2018
• Jill Castilla  Creativity  September, 2018
• Maureen Coury Compassion  January, 2018
• KC Williams Dependability October, 2017
• David Ford  Humility  July, 2017
• Steve Bowlware Enthusiasm, March, 2017
• Laura McGee Truthfulness, April,  2017  
• Richard Killgore  Generosity  February, 2017
• Peggy Geib Gratefulness  January, 2017 
• Dustin & Erikka Ault  Initiative  January, 2017
• Chris Waugh  Initiative  January, 2017 
• Nathan Walters  Orderliness  November, 2016 
• Kris Rush  Diligence  March, 2016 
• Jason Henley Compassion  January, 2016 
• Ray Vaughn Dependability  August, 2015 
• Jean Holt  Sensitivity  April, 2015 
• Brian Maughan  Availability  April, 2015 
• Chris Shorow  Joyfulness  October, 2014 
• Virginia Peters  Endurance  September, 2014 
• Bea Sprouse  Discretion  August, 2014 
• Krista Law  Creativity  July, 2014 
• Cora Stamps  Initiative  January, 2014 
• Christy Fine  Gentleness  October, 2013 
• Larry Tettleton  Determination  September, 2012 
• Judy Farley  Availability February, 2012 
• Tana Stufflebean  Thoroughness  November, 2011 
• Verla Raines  Dependability  November, 2011 
• Mary Ann Coffman Discernment August, 2011 
• Harry & Pat Knickerbacker  Hospitality  January, 2011 
• David Johnson  Diligence  November, 2010 
• Theresa Hoffhines Meekness  October, 2010 
• Scott Streller  Security  October, 2010 
• Steve Kreidler  Endurance  August, 2010 
• Diane Emmons  Dependability  July, 2010
• Lauren Nelson-Faram  Faith March, 2010