Throughout its history, the OABA has honored members for their service and contributions to the Association and the mobile amusement industry. Since 2001, the OABA has honored both deceased and living industry icons. The Hall of Fame program celebrates outstanding achievement and contributions to the growth and development of the carnival industry and those who served their national trade organization.
To be considered for the OABA's Hall of Fame, a nominee must meet the following criteria:
To be considered for the OABA's Hall of Fame, a nominee must meet the following criteria:
- Have been associated with the mobile amusement industry for a minimum of twenty years
- Have contributed to the industry at large, in addition to his/her own business
Have made significant contributions to the preservation, leadership, education or design/technical services of the outdoor amusement industry
Hall of Fame Nominations
Applications must be completed and mailed to the OABA office by November 1 each year for consideration by the Hall of Fame Committee and the Board of Directors. Nominees or their families will be notified not later than December of their induction into the OABA Hall of Fame, taking place at the OABA Annual Meeting in February. Nominations for this honor will not have to be made every year and will carry over into the next year.
Hall of Fame Nomination Form
For more information, please contact the OABA office.
Hall of Fame Recipients
- 2024
Bill Johnson
video - 2024
Johnny Doolan
video - 2023
Mary Chris Smith
video - 2023
Andy Schoendienst
video - 2022
Paul Atkins
video - 2022
Mike Williams
video - 2021
Jeanne McDonagh
video - 2021
Sam Johnston
video - 2020
Les 'Corky' Powers
video - 2020
Frank Zaitshik
video - 2019
Bill Dillard
video - 2019
Michael Wood
video - 2018
Patty Sullivan - 2018
Jane Vivona - 2017
Al DeRusha
video - 2017
Wayne Pierce
video - 2016
Beverly Burback
video - 2016
Butch Netterfield
video - 2016
Jimmy Drew
video - 2015
Jean Anne Clair
video - 2015
John Hanschen
video - 2014
Earl "Butch" Butler
video - 2014
Guy Leavitt
video - 2013
G. Wayne McCary
video - 2013
Bob Johnson
video - 2012
Irvin "Bingo" Hauser
video - 2012
Wayne Kunz
video - 2011
Tom Atkins
video - 2011
Jeff Blomsness
video - 2010
Billy Burr
video - 2010
William Capell, Sr.
video - 2009
Richard Janas
video - 2009
Ron Burback
video - 2009
Ed Murphy
video - 2008
Ward Hall
video - 2008
Bill Wilkerson
video - 2007
Bob Commerford
video - 2007
Ray Cammack - 2007
Buster Brown
video - 2007
Jackie Swika
video - 2006
John Campi
video - 2006
Mark Duce
video - 2006
Lloyd Hilligoss
video - 2006
Tom Powell
video - 2005
James E. Conklin
video - 2005
Irvin Deggeller
video - 2005
Carl Sedlmayr Jr.
video - 2005
Lee Sullivan
video - 2004
Al Kunz - 2004
Father Robert McCarthy - 2004
P.E. "Pat" Reithoffer - 2004
Paul “Duke” Smith - 2003
Harold Chance - 2003
Bob Negus
video - 2003
Johnny Portemont - 2003
J.D. Floyd - 2002
William T. Collins - 2002
E. James Strates
video - 2002
John Vivona - 2002
Red Wood - 2001
Jimmy Floyd - 2001
Hub Luehrs - 2001
W.G. Wade - 2001
Bernard Thomas