On Monday, November 11, Treasure Lake RV Resort in Branson held a ceremony honoring Vietnam veteran, long-time Treasure Lake board member and dedicated community volunteer John “Jack” Mustard. As part of the ceremony, a ribbon cutting was held dedicating “Mustard Crossing,” a crosswalk connecting the Lodge and Clubhouse areas in the heart of the popular RV resort.
Following a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy, Jack and his wife, Theresa, owned several antique and flea-market businesses. He also worked as an Imagemaker Character at Silver Dollar City, including serving as Postmaster at the park’s General Store. He enjoyed entertaining, performing in plays and participating in music jam sessions, and was an active volunteer at Treasure Lake in addition to serving on the board.
Park manager Steven Mills welcomed the group of veterans, Treasure Lake members, and friends. Brenda Cole then presented a patriotic hymn medley. During the ceremony, Mills, himself a veteran, referred gratefully to the many veterans who, like Jack Mustard, find ways to continue serving in their communities following discharge or retirement.
Speakers paying tribute to Mustard included Bryan Stallings, co-founder and CEO of Elevate Branson, where Jack and Theresa have volunteered as mentors in the Elevate Work program until Jack’s last illness before he passed away in August 2024. Theresa plans to continue her involvement at Elevate. Stallings referred to Jack’s characteristic humor, including occasionally dressing in all yellow, head to toe, to embrace the inevitable references to “Colonel Mustard” in the game of Clue.
Donna McConkey, director of Elevate Work, also shared her thankfulness, referring to mentors as the “secret sauce” behind the success of the job-skills program. “Students loved his stories,” she said of Jack Mustard, saying he was a great combination of compassionate, yet firm, encouragement.
Sam Mustard, Jack’s brother, gave some family history about their great-grandfather, a Union Army general who moved his family to Laclede County, Missouri, after the Civil War. A railroad that crossed the family property, referred to as “Mustard Crossing,” inspired Theresa’s suggestion of an appropriate name for the Treasure Lake tribute.
“Jack enlivened board meetings, even tense ones where decisions needed to be made,” said friend and fellow board member Jerry Boomer. “He always had a joke or a funny Silver Dollar City story to share. He will forever be an icon at Treasure Lake.”
Theresa Mustard was presented with an honorary plaque, and a similar plaque will be displayed at the park. She then cut the ribbon for those gathered to make their way across the new crosswalk area, where a new “Mustard Crossing” sign has been placed to remind members and guests of an exemplary and beloved veteran and volunteer.
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