Boone's wife, Nancy, also received special recognition for her part in making the Boone family and its businesses such a successful part of Stanford.
"We have enjoyed working together," said Mr. Boone of his 38-year partnership with his wife. "Amen to that," echoed Nancy Boone.
In fact, it may very well be the strong sense of family the Boones brought to their stores that has made them such a part of the community's collective heart.
"They've always treated everyone the same - like family," said Sandy Gooch, Stanford city clerk.
Many community members agree the atmosphere at Boone's stores was "homey." Gooch said it was typical, for instance, for many of the community's men to get their feed ground on a Friday night at the Boone feed store while the ladies went out shopping. The family tradition is apparently still going strong today as Boone family members and relatives, including local educator Leroy Boone, Jr., still put in time at Boone-Stanford Hardware. When asked how it feels to be recognized by the community for his contributions, Leroy Boone, Sr. put it simply: "It feels great." When asked about his long business history, Boone quipped, "How far you want to go back?"
Boone took over his family's business at the Boone Feedstore back when cars were made of metal and a kid named Elvis was starting to make a name for himself in the '50s.
By the time pet rocks and disco had hit the scene in the late 70s, Boone bought what became known as the Boone-Stanford Hardware Store. Then, in the mid-80s, as "Reaganomics" was at its height and big-haired rock bands were everywhere on television, the Boones built the present location of Boone-Stanford Hardware (behind Pizza Hut just off U.S. 27).
A lot of noise came and went with these decades, yet the Boones apparently maintained a steady, hometown atmosphere throughout all the change around them. In addition to his business accomplishments, Boone has won the respect of the community for his musical directing responsibilities at Stanford Christian Church, at which he has been a lifelong member.
Boone's success as a community leader may well be in his blood. His great-grandfather is Squire Boone, brother of Daniel Boone.
Steve Lucas, a Stanford City Council member, was instrumental in coming up with the idea to have an event for Mr. Boone. Steve Dozier was also key to the event's implementation.
