To the editor:

Thanks to Chad Lawhorn for solving the mystery of “where’s Leo Beuerman’s plaque?” My brother, Bill, and I tried to find it during his recent visit. As Kansas University students 50 years ago, we watched Leo climb off his ancient tractor and onto his cart and set up shop on the sidewalk. Leo may have been small in size, but to us he was a big man. He sold pencils, fixed watches and did what he was able to do. He couldn’t hear, but he could smile, nod and let people know that he cared that they cared.

The Centron-produced film about Leo almost earned an Academy Award in 1969. But what it said about Leo, and about Lawrence, was worth far more than an Academy Award. Leo’s life spoke volumes about rising above adversity, never giving up, doing your best and being kind to your neighbor.

In this reader’s opinion, Leo deserves more than a plaque. He has earned a place in our history. And to those of us who remember him, he has earned a place in our hearts.