HOF Class of 2017

Hall of Fame Class of 2017

The 24rd annual induction ceremony was held on March 12, 2017 at the Zorah Shrine in Terre Haute, IN. Doug Mason and Toby Myers were unable to attend.

The Coon Holler Kids opened the ceremony with some great music. They have been our opening act on past occasions, and have always been a big hit with the audience.

Terry Wenzel was presented with the Akers/Grindle Award, and Mark Bennet was presented with the Special Recognition Award.:

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List of the Class of 2017

Paul Bays	William Kassis	Jim Payne
Kevin Beel	Leo Maesch	Susan Pell
J. R. Combs	Doug Mason	George Phelps
John Dicenso	Steve McCullough	Gary Ready
George Egy	Mary Lou Morris	John Spicknall
Ed Ice, Jr.	Toby Myers	Brian Wendholdt

Pictures of the Class of 2017

Paul Bays with Jeff Wisbey	Paul Bays	Kevin Beel with David Beel
Kevin Beel	J.R. Combs with Rick Waggoner	J.R. Combs
John DiCenso with Mark Wright	John DiCenso with Jerome Cheatham	George Egy with Brad Anderson
George Egy	Ed Ice Jr. with Tim Weer	Ed Ice Jr.
Willie Kassis with Brad Anderson	William "Willie" Kassis	Leo Maesch and Joe Cartwright
Leo Maesch	Steve McCullough and Tracy Richardson	Steve McCullough
Mary Lou Morris and Jimmy Hollingsworth	Mary Lou Morris	Toby Myers (photo from 2013)
Jim Payne and Jesse Richey	Jim Payne	Susan Pell and Mark Wright
Susan Pell	George Phelps and Brad Anderson	George Phelps
Gary Ready and Rick Waggoner	Gary Ready	John Spicknall and Mark Wright
John Spicknall	Brian Wendholdt with Bill Heyman and Victoria Birchfield	Brian Wendholdt with Bill Heyman and Victoria Birchfield
Class of 2017	Class-of-2017

Our Opening Act

Coon Holler Kids

Presentation of Awards

The Akers/Grindle Award, the Hall's highest award, was given to Terry Wenzel in recognition of his outstanding service to the Hall. Terry was among the musicians who helped Alva Grindle to restart the Hall of Fame in 2005. He served on the Board of Directors, and was instrumental in helping the Hall of Fame grow into the organization that it is today, going above and beyond in donating his time, energy, and finances to make sure the organization would succeed.

Mark Bennett received the Special Recognition award. For many years, he has played an important part in helping the Hall of Fame gain recognition and a good reputation in the community, and we are grateful for his efforts.

Terry Wenzel	Terry Wenzel	Terry Wenzel
Mark Bennett	Mark Bennett

Reading of the Band of Angels

Doc Long and Party Marty read the names of those who were added to the Band of Angels during 2016, followed by Dave Amerman and Eddie Davis performing "Tears in Heaven."