Tom Shrewsbury (1930-2012) was born in Springfield, MO. He spent several years in the professional theatre where he worked with such celebrities as Vincent Price, Lucille Ball, and Carol Burnett.
Returning to Springfield, he served a term as president of the Springfield Theatre Guild and appeared in many shows including lead roles in Harvey and Mr. Roberts.
He was later recruited to serve as the United States Director of Rehabilitation in New York City where he held Consultant Status with the United Nations.
At the request of the World Health Organization, he successfully directed a program to combat a massive polio epidemic in the Dominican Republic resulting in all school age children receiving the polio vaccine. He also served as White House liaison for a special program for Mrs. Nixon as well as serving on the executive planning committee of the President’s Committee on the Employment of the Handicapped.
Back in Springfield, he was responsible for reorganizing The Springfield Muni Opera in 1964.
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