Cowboy sheriff saddles up for parade
Staff reporter
It's been quite a while since well-known retired sheriff and Marion resident June Jost rode a horse in an Old Settlers' Day parade.
On Saturday spectators will see a proud cowboy ride again.
"The first time I rode in the parade was when I was 25 years old," Jost said. "This year's ride will be the first time in at least 30 years since I rode in the parade"
Still an active horseman, Jost still has the same love for horses that he had as a younger man, when he worked cattle.
Born and raised on a farm near Hillsboro, Jost and his parents moved to rural Marion when he was 12 years old.
"I'm a product of Crestwell College," Jost said with a smile. He was referring to Crestwell grade school that he attended until the eighth grade.
He worked various jobs and considers his cowboy days among his fond memories.
Jost and three other cowboys worked for Bud McLinden.
"We used to drive cattle from Oursler Stockyard to pastures in the Flint Hills," Jost recalled. The stockyards were located two to three miles south of the Marion County Park and Lake.
In 1969, the cowboy traded his spurs for a badge and became Marion County undersheriff. Two years later, he was elected sheriff and served for 14 years.
"(While sheriff) I always participated in parades throughout the county," Jost said.
He's looking forward to his ride Saturday. His daughter, Donna Ames from Wichita, will ride with him.
Once a cowboy, always a cowboy.
