A man who spent 40 years as a missionary in Africa and continues to serve his community has been named the 2026 Senior of the Year for Marshall County.
Roy Danforth, who retired to Plymouth after decades of teaching people in Africa how to grow crops and garden in their local climates, has been recognized for bringing his knowledge, passion, and servant's heart to Marshall County. Since moving to the area, Danforth has become a driving force behind community gardens at the Life Enrichment Center and Bread of Life.
Terri Brandt, Director of the Bread of Life food pantry, praised Danforth's commitment to helping others. "Roy is an amazing man, strong in his beliefs and passionate about feeding people," Brandt said. She described how he has continued his mission in Indiana, helping people grow food and learn new skills.
Janis Holiday, Director of the Marshall County Council on Aging, said Danforth's impact reaches well beyond the garden. "I first met Roy at the Senior Expo when he applied to become a driver," Holiday said. "He drove for us for a couple of years, and while he was transporting people around the county, he was also keeping his eyes open for potential new garden locations."
Holiday added that Danforth's kind and caring demeanor masks a fierce competitive streak. "Whether it was trying to complete the most trips in a shift driving public transportation or competing on the pickleball court, Roy likes to do things well — and he likes to do them better," she said.
Danforth strives for excellence in everything he does, according to those who nominated him, and one of his greatest qualities is his willingness to share what he knows. He doesn't keep his knowledge to himself, but shares it generously with anyone willing to learn, helping others become more self-sufficient and strengthening the community in the process.
His life, they say, is a reminder that service doesn't have a retirement age, and that a person's mission doesn't end when one chapter closes.
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