The Chiles Province Court of Honor proudly inducted seven distinguished alumni into its ranks on January 30, 2026, during the Joplin Area Alumni Chapter Convivium, held in celebration of the 55th Anniversary of the chartering of the Delta Pi Chapter.
The evening served as a meaningful tribute to the lifelong dedication of these brothers—men whose personal achievements, professional service, and commitment to the values of Kappa Alpha Order have strengthened both their communities and the fraternity. Court of Honor membership recognizes alumni who exemplify the ideals of the Order through decades of leadership, integrity, and service. The inductees represent the very best of Delta Pi’s legacy and the enduring brotherhood of the Chiles Province. Charter members Dave Richard, Norman Rouse, Jeffrey Dymott were also present.
2026 Chiles Province Court of Honor Inductees
- David A. Elledge (Delta Pi–Missouri Southern State ’73)
David was initiated into the Delta Pi Chapter in 1973. He was accepted into the University of Missouri–Kansas City Dental School in 1974 and graduated in May 1978. Dr. Elledge served as a general dentist from 1978 until 2021 and is now happily retired. - James R. Lewis (Delta Pi–Missouri Southern State ’71), Charter Member
James was a member of the local fraternity Pi Beta Lambda before becoming a charter member of the Delta Pi Chapter when it was installed in October 1971. He served the chapter as an officer and graduated from Missouri Southern College in 1974 with a B.A. in English. In January 1975, he began a career as a registered financial advisor, a profession he held for more than 40 years. - David A. Efird (Delta Pi–Missouri Southern State ’71), Charter Member
David was also a member of Pi Beta Lambda and became a charter member of Delta Pi in October 1971. He served as an officer of the chapter and graduated from Missouri Southern College. Brother Efrid was active in student leadership, serving as senior class president and participating in student senate from 1971–1972. A gifted writer and reporter, he contributed to the MSC newspaper The Chart. He was also a standout athlete, pitching for the MSC baseball team and earning recognition in the MSSC Sports Hall of Fame. Beyond campus, he devoted 47 years of service to the Abouben Adhem Shrine, including 15 years as hospital chair. A 32nd degree Mason, he has also served as president of the Shrine Antique Autos and remains a life member of the Joplin Elks Lodge #501. - Robert G. Wynne (Delta Pi–Missouri Southern State ’71), Charter Member
Robert became a charter member of Delta Pi in October 1971 and served the chapter as an officer. Following his undergraduate years, he worked as a Joplin firefighter for five years. Brother Wynne built a diverse professional career, managing jewelry stores for Zales across multiple states and later working in the medical field with ER and ICU patients in both Florida and Missouri. He returned to Missouri Southern State University to earn a B.S. in Education, eventually retiring from teaching to enter the ministry as a Methodist minister. Though retired from full-time ministry, he continues to preach and serve congregations in Cartherville and Avilla. - Larry D. Comstock (Delta Pi–Missouri Southern State ’71), Charter Member
Larry was a member of Pi Beta Lambda and became a charter member of Delta Pi in October 1971, serving as an officer of the chapter. Notably, he was the first alumnus of Delta Pi. Drafted in 1971, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a personal manager and participated in the Navy Choir. After completing his service, he returned to MSSU in 1984, earning a B.S. in Marketing and Management. Brother Comstock served as General Manager of National Steel for 12 years before transitioning into a career as a financial advisor. He is now retired. - Gary G. Wilson (Delta Pi–Missouri Southern State ’71), Charter Member
Gary graduated from Joplin High School in 1968 and was a member of Pi Beta Lambda before becoming a charter member of Delta Pi in October 1971. He played a key role in helping establish the chapter’s first fraternity house. Graduating in 1972 with a B.A., Brother Wilson went on to build a 40-year career in information technology across several companies. He also spent time driving a semi-truck, seeking new challenges along the way. Retired since 2017, Brother Wilson is the father of three daughters and enjoys a growing family that includes 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
