Opies Transport, , Eldon, Mo., has recognized a number of employees.
Each year during Christmas week Opies recognizes one outstanding driver from among 125.

This year’s “2004 Driver of the Year” was Harold Maples

, who has worked for Opies since September of 1992. Maples was chosen for this service and safety award based upon his years of service, his dedication to safety and to providing excellent service.
Maples is best known for his truck’s appearance. In March of 2002, he participated in the Mid-America Truck Show Beauty Championship held in Louisville Ky. and took 3rd place for First Time Entrants. Maples lives in Holts Summit, Mo., with his wife, Deena. They have five children, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Maples was awarded a trip for two to Cancun, Mexico.
Opies honored mechanic Ron Pember of Eldon Mo. who received a $2,000 cash bonus in recognition of 20 years of service. Pember plays an important role in maintaining safe operating equipment for Opie drivers.
Over-the-road driver Tony Bartee was honored for 10 years of service. Bartee mostly services the St. Louis area. He lives in St. Louis with his wife, Terri. They have three sons and twin granddaughters.
Over-the-road driver Robert Evans was recognized for 10 years of employment. Evans employment has logged well over 1 million accident-free miles. He lives in Camden, Tenn., with his wife, Wonnie. Evans has five stepdaughters.
Administrative assistant Pam Kempf was recognized for 10 years of service . In her decade with Opies, she has done accounts receivable, billing, rating, payroll and employee benefits. Kempf lives in Jefferson City, Mo., with her husband, Randy. She has two sons and three stepchildren.
All three of these employees received a $1,000 cash bonus in recognition of 10 years of service.
Opies operates a fleet of over 100 over-the-road tractors and stainless steel tanker trailers hauling liquid food-grade products throughout the 48 states. The fleet has a satellite terminal in Memphis, Tenn.