The Ozark Trail is more than a path through the wilderness. It is a legacy built by people who gave their time, talents, and heart to something bigger than themselves.
We honor those who have walked before us and whose contributions continue to shape every mile.
Remembering Our Trail Family
John Roth
1959-2009
Founder of the Ozark Trail Association. A lifelong outdoorsman with an abiding love for the Ozarks, John became a driving force behind the Ozark Trail and the organization that would become the Ozark Trail Association. John’s vision and passion helped establish the organization and inspire hundreds of volunteers.
Founder of the Ozark Trail Association
John Roth was a lifelong outdoorsman with an abiding love for the Ozarks and a remarkable ability to turn ideas into action. His vision, determination, and willingness to get his hands dirty helped transform the Ozark Trail and gave rise to the organization that continues to care for it today.
In 1998, after hiking a section of the Ozark Trail, John complained to the U.S. Forest Service about the trail’s overgrown condition. When he was told that perhaps he should help repair it, John took that suggestion seriously. He showed up at the Forest Service office the very next day, ready to dig in.
That moment became the beginning of something much larger. John went on to form the Ozark Trail Association as a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising support for the trail, becoming its first president and guiding force. Under his leadership, new miles of trail were built, volunteers were recruited, and the Ozark Trail began to flourish.
John was a builder in every sense of the word. He designed and constructed first-rate trails, asked difficult questions, forged relationships, and brought people together around a shared vision for the Ozarks. His hope was that the Ozark Trail might one day rival the Appalachian Trail in popularity, and he worked tirelessly to move that vision forward.
His contributions were recognized with a National Trail Award in 2002 and Forest Service Volunteer Awards in 2003 and 2005, as well as a posthumous award for his 2008 service. The Ozark Regional Land Trust later described him as an enthusiastic proponent of the outdoors who was responsible not only for completing many miles of new trail, but for motivating and involving hundreds of volunteers in the effort.
John died tragically on July 3, 2009, in an accident on his farm in Crawford County. He was 49.
Although his life ended far too soon, John’s vision did not. Every mile of the Ozark Trail carries something of his legacy-the trail itself, the volunteers who maintain it, and the community of people who continue to believe that the Ozarks are worth exploring and protecting.
John Roth built more than trails. He built connections, created momentum, and gave people a reason to come together and move forward.
The trail he envisioned continues. His work lives on in every mile.
Matt Atnip
1960-2026
Matt became part of the Ozark Trail Association in 2004, during the organization’s early years. Over the years, he served as a board member, treasurer, and executive director. An outdoorsman and certified sawyer, Matt loved building trails, cutting trees, hiking, canoeing, and simply being in the Missouri hills.
OTA Leader
Trail Volunteer • Friend
Matt Atnip became part of the Ozark Trail Association in 2004, during the organization’s early years, and remained a dedicated part of the OTA community for many years. Over that time, he served in many roles, including board member, treasurer, and executive director.
Matt gave his time to the Ozark Trail in many ways. He spent countless days working out on the trail, but much of his contribution happened behind the scenes as well- helping with the many details, decisions, and day-to-day work required to keep a growing trail organization moving forward.
He was a familiar face at OTA events, meetings, trainings, fundraisers, and trail workdays. His family was also deeply involved with the organization throughout those years, becoming an important part of the OTA community alongside him.
Matt cared deeply about the Ozark Trail and gave many years of his time, energy, and passion to the organization. His involvement spanned an important period in the OTA’s history, as the trail and the organization continued to grow and take shape.
For those who knew Matt through the OTA, he will be remembered as much for the time he gave as for the many roles he filled. He was part of the people and stories that helped shape the organization in its early years, and his contributions became part of the foundation on which the trail community continues to build.
Matt passed away on September 15, 2026, at the age of 66. He leaves behind his wife, Kathy, his children and extended family, and many friends who shared his love of the outdoors and the Ozark Trail.
We are grateful for the many years Matt gave to the Ozark Trail Association, for the work he did both on the trail and behind the scenes, and for the friendships and memories he left with the people who knew him.
Matt’s years with the OTA are part of our history, and his mark on the trail will remain.
Stephan Bass
1964-2018
Stephan was a longtime major supporter of the Ozark Trail Association whose generosity helped make the trail and many OTA events possible.
On February 21, 2018, Stephan Bass lost his long and valiant battle with colon cancer. He left behind a lasting legacy with the Ozark Trail Association and the many people who had the privilege of knowing him.
Stephan played a vital role in the development of the Ozark Trail when he welcomed the OTA onto his resort property and allowed the trail to pass through it. What began as a willingness to help the trail soon grew into something much more. Stephan became one of the OTA’s most ardent supporters, and Bass’ River Resort became a familiar and welcoming gathering place for the trail community.
Throughout the years, Bass’ River Resort generously hosted numerous OTA events. Those gatherings—and the friendships and memories made there—would not have been possible without the gracious support of Stephan, Julie, and their staff. They opened their doors to the OTA community with a generosity that went far beyond simply providing a place to gather.
Stephan was kind, friendly, supportive, and generous, and his bright smile was as memorable as his willingness to help. To those of us in the OTA community, he was more than a supporter of the trail. He was a friend.
We are grateful for all that Stephan did for the Ozark Trail and for the people who have walked it, worked on it, and gathered along it over the years. His generosity helped make the trail and the community around it stronger, and his friendship will not be forgotten.
We were fortunate to call Stephan our friend.
Suzanne Smith
1945-2022
Suzanne devoted more than 20 years to the OTA, combining her deep love of the outdoors with an extraordinary commitment to volunteer service.
Suzanne Smith’s life was defined by a deep love for the outdoors and an unwavering commitment to protecting and celebrating the natural world. Whether hiking a quiet forest trail or lending her hands to a stewardship project, she found joy, purpose, and community in the places she cherished.
For more than 30 years, Suzanne was an active and devoted member of the Sierra Club, where her passion and dedication earned her a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Eastern Missouri Group, as well as recognition from the Friday Hiking Group- communities that became a second family to her.
Suzanne brought that same dedication to the Ozark Trail Association. For more than 20 years, she was a steadfast member and volunteer, participating in an extraordinary 674 OTA events and contributing more than 600 hours of volunteer service. Her work touched nearly every aspect of the trail, from construction and maintenance to outreach and the many behind-the-scenes efforts that help keep an organization and its trails strong.
In 2005, Suzanne earned her Red Jacket, a distinction recognizing an exceptional level of commitment to the Ozark Trail. She wore it with pride- not simply as an accomplishment, but as a reflection of the many hours, miles, friendships, and memories she had invested in the trail she loved.
Suzanne understood that caring for the outdoors is about more than protecting a place. It is about being part of a community, sharing the experience with others, and ensuring that those special places remain there for the people who come after us.
Her years of service helped strengthen the Ozark Trail and the community that surrounds it. We remember Suzanne with gratitude for the countless ways she gave her time, energy, and heart to the places she loved.
Her work lives on in the trails she helped build, maintain, and protect.
Dave Fuehring
1949-2009
Dave was a prolific sawyer whose years of service included clearing deadfall across every section and helping lead trail-building projects with his wife, Gwen.
Dave Fuehring passed away on January 29, 2009, following a two-year battle with cancer. From the early days of the Ozark Trail Association, Dave was a dedicated volunteer whose love of the outdoors was matched by a willingness to put in the hard work needed to care for the trail.
Dave and his wife, Gwen, were active with the OTA from its inception in 2002. During his final four years with the organization, sawing became Dave’s particular passion. He was a prolific sawyer who cleared deadfall across every section of the Ozark Trail in Missouri, helping keep the trail open and passable for the hikers who followed.
Together, Dave and Gwen also sponsored and led several major projects through the American Hiking Society’s “Week-long Vacation” program. Their work included construction of the foot trail around Barton Fen, the building of a rock wall along Henderson Creek, and construction of the trail between Asher Cemetery and Strother Creek.
Their dedication to the Ozark Trail and to volunteer service was recognized in 2007 when Dave and Gwen were named recipients of the American Hiking Society’s National Volunteers of the Year award.
Dave’s contribution to the Ozark Trail was measured not only in miles of trail cleared or projects completed, but in the countless hikers who were able to enjoy a better trail because he had been there with a saw in hand. His work was practical, sometimes demanding, and deeply meaningful- and it helped shape the trail during its formative years.
We remember Dave with gratitude for the trail he helped build, maintain, and leave better for those who came after him.
Frank Pointer
1943-2010
Frank was an early and dedicated volunteer who contributed enthusiasm, hard work, and commitment to building a trail for future generations.
Frank died on May 25, 2010 after a brief illness. Here is a remembrance written by Gwen…
I met Frank in 2003 when the OTA was in its infancy. Back then, we were a small, close knit group of volunteers who came out 2 or 3 times a month to enjoy the camaraderie of working together in the woods on the Ozark Trail.
The next year, when my husband and I started weeklong volunteer vacations, Frank became our most avid supporter. He enthusiastically welcomed out-of-state volunteers, he liked the hard work, and he would perform any chore that needed doing. He was often the instigator of lively conversations around the campfire.
Frank became one of the earliest trail adopters when he volunteered to maintain a piece of trail along Barton Fen which was built during 2 volunteer vacations. Today I maintain that piece along with Robert Smith and Danny McMurphy.
For me, walking that trail provides a connection with those who helped build it and are no longer with us: my husband Dave, OTA founder John Roth and now Frank.
Frank was so proud of his red jacket awarded after 20 trail building events. At that time, only 7 people had earned the prestigious red jacket. Frank didn’t rest on his laurels after getting the award—he participated in at least 41 work events. I feel very sad that I’ll never have another conversation with Frank. We could talk about any topic and Frank would tell a funny story or provide a unique insight.
I remember a discussion about why we worked on the trail. Frank said, that he got immediate enjoyment from being outdoors and seeing completed sections of the trail but what really kept him focused was that the trail would be there for his grandchildren and for generations to come. The fruits of Frank’s labor are there to be enjoyed by everyone who uses the Ozark Trail, now and into the future. He was a wonderful friend and he is sorely missed.
James L. “Pop” Connelly
1886-1975
Pop, known as the “Father of the Taum Sauk Trail,” played a pivotal role in creating the original trail and was a beloved figure in scouting and outdoor communities.
James L. Connelly, affectionately known as “Pop” in his later years, lived in Ironton and played an instrumental role in the creation of the original Taum Sauk Trail. His contributions earned him the enduring title of “Father of the Taum Sauk Trail.”
The original trail began in Graniteville at Elephant Rocks and traveled to Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, crossing some of the most rugged and beautiful country in the Missouri Ozarks. Pop became a well-known figure in the scouting community, particularly among members of the Order of the Arrow and Shawnee Lodge, who adopted and maintained the trail for many years.
His commitment to young people and scouting was recognized with the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Boy Scouts of America for exceptional character and distinguished service to the scouting community.
One of the memorable landmarks along the original Taum Sauk Trail was “Pop Connelly’s Monument,” a rock cairn on Russell Mountain. The monument began with a playful challenge: if every Scout who hiked the trail added a rock to the pile, perhaps Russell Mountain would one day rise above Taum Sauk Mountain and become Missouri’s highest peak. The story captures something of the spirit Pop brought to the trail- a love of the outdoors, a sense of adventure, and an ability to inspire others to become part of something bigger than themselves.
Though the original Taum Sauk Trail has changed with time, Pop Connelly’s place in its history remains. His name is woven into the story of the trail and the generations of Scouts and outdoor enthusiasts who followed it.
James L. “Pop” Connelly was a great man whose legacy deserves to be remembered- and whose love of the trail continues to live on in the Ozarks.
May he never be forgotten.
Jim Hefner
1960-2021
Jim was a devoted outdoorsman and OTA Crane Lake Loop adopter who found joy in hiking, biking, paddling, camping, and fishing the natural places he loved.
Jim Hefner passed away on October 16, 2021, at the age of 61, following a short battle with glioblastoma.
An Ozark Trail volunteer and adopter of the Crane Lake Loop, Jim had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the many places that offered a chance to explore, discover, and simply enjoy being outside. He loved hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and camping, and could often be found searching for morels and paw paws with his beloved companion, Ruffles, by his side. He also enjoyed another kind of search- finding good wine and good food along the way.
Jim’s love of the outdoors extended well beyond the Ozark Trail. He treasured federal, state, and county parks and embraced the opportunity to experience new places. Soccer was another lifelong passion. He played through high school and college, using athletic scholarships to play at McKendree College and Saint Louis University, and his soccer career took him to numerous states and countries. He later played with local elite teams and with Sports Life, a Christian sports ministry based in Tacoma, Washington.
Professionally, Jim spent 25 years as a chemist with Sigma-Aldrich Chemical Company, following earlier work at Sinclair/Rush during high school and college. He also spent time working at wineries in Washington, Missouri- a fitting pursuit for someone who appreciated both the outdoors and a good glass of wine.
Jim is remembered by his family, friends, fellow volunteers, and all who shared his love of the outdoors. On the Ozark Trail, his legacy lives on in the Crane Lake Loop and in the places he helped care for and enjoyed.
Thank you for your service, Jim. Happy trails.
Paul Corley
1952-2023
Paul was a longtime volunteer whose infectious smile and genuine ability to make friends with everyone he met made him a beloved presence at OTA events.
Paul Corley passed away suddenly on November 27, 2023. The warmth and friendliness he brought to the Ozark Trail community remain fondly remembered.
Paul was involved with the Ozark Trail Association for many years and became a familiar face at OTA Mega Events and other gatherings. He seemed to know everyone-or, more accurately, he had a remarkable ability to make friends with just about anyone he met. Paul never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone about almost anything, and before long, you felt like you’d known him for years.
He was one of the happiest and friendliest people in the OTA community. Whether he was visiting around camp, helping at an event, or simply enjoying time on the trail, Paul always had a smile on his face. And he was rarely far from his dogs, who were his constant companions and a familiar sight to everyone who knew him.
For those in the Ozark Trail Association who knew Paul, he will be remembered not only for his years of involvement but for the way he made people feel welcome. His easy conversation, infectious smile, love of the outdoors, and genuine interest in the people around him made him someone you looked forward to seeing at the next event.
Paul’s presence at OTA gatherings brought more laughter, more conversations, and a lot of good memories. We are grateful for the years he spent as part of the Ozark Trail community and for the friendship he shared so freely.
He is deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many people he met along the trail.
Happy trails, Paul.
Jessica Terrell
1977-2008
Paul was a longtime volunteer whose infectious smile and genuine ability to make friends with everyone he met made him a beloved presence at OTA events.
Jessica Renee Terrell was just 30 years old when she died on January 9, 2008, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, but in those thirty years she had already built a remarkable life around trails, public lands, and adventure.
Jessica served as the state trail coordinator for the New Mexico Department of Natural Resources beginning in 2006, where one of her major projects was development of the Rio Grande Trail. Before moving to New Mexico, she held the same position with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, where she worked on the Katy Trail and served as chair of the Ozark Trail Council.
Her commitment to trails extended well beyond her professional work. An active environmentalist and supporter of public lands, Jessica was selected to participate on the American Frontier Southern Team, hiking from Texas to Utah using only public lands. She also competed in MotoFemina, a reality series that challenged women in motorcycle adventure, ultimately winning the competition and a BMW motorcycle.
Jessica's adventurous spirit was matched by her curiosity and love of learning. She earned a B.S. in marine biology from Hiram College and studied in Australia as an exchange student during both high school and college. She was an avid photographer and enjoyed hiking, running, bicycling, camping, and exploring the outdoors.
Her connection to the Ozark Trail came during her years in Missouri, where she became an important part of the trail community through her work with the Department of Natural Resources and her leadership with the Ozark Trail Council. Her professional dedication and personal passion for the outdoors made her a natural advocate for the places and trails she cared about.
Jessica was born July 7, 1977, in Wilmington, Ohio, to Judy Terrell and Charles Terrell. She is remembered by her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched through her work, her adventures, and her love of the outdoors.
Jessica's life was far too short, but the trails and public lands she helped champion continue to provide opportunities for people to explore, connect with nature, and find their own adventures.
She left her mark on the trail—and on the people who followed it.
Mike Fallon
1973-2008
Mike Fallon was a dedicated Ozark Trail volunteer and experienced long-distance hiker whose “trail magic,” and friendships left a lasting mark on the OTA community.
Mike Fallon passed away unexpectedly on November 22, 2008, while on a road trip with his wife and young daughter to visit his parents.
Though his time with the Ozark Trail Association lasted only three years, Mike quickly became part of the trail community. He participated in 10 OTA trail events and brought with him the experience and spirit of a seasoned long-distance hiker.
In 2003, Mike thru-hiked the 2,100-plus-mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, completing the journey from March through September under his trail name, “Vagabond.” Along the way, he formed friendships that continued long after his hike was over. He was also an active member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and embraced the tradition of “trail magic”—the unexpected acts of kindness that make a long journey a little easier and more memorable.
Mike carried that same spirit into his time with the Ozark Trail Association. He understood that trails are about more than miles and destinations; they are also about the people you meet, the experiences you share, and the friendships that endure.
Mike's life was far too short, but the trail community he loved continues to carry forward the spirit of generosity, adventure, and connection that he represented.
Happy trails, Vagabond.