Leo F. Hackman, Jefferson City

Leo Hackman was born Jan. 30, 1913, and raised on a small farm near Hartsburg. His career in the dairy business began in 1936 when he went to work for Dot Sappington owner and founder of Central Dairy. In his new job, Leo delivered milk on a route in Jefferson City at a wage of $9 a week.

Also in 1936 Leo married Tulah Hutinger. They had two sons, Glen F. Hackman, Winnetka, Ill., and Gale Hackman, Jefferson City, who is currently manager of Central Dairy in Jefferson City. Mrs. Hackman remains involved in the business as does Chris, Gale’s son.

Both Leo and his wife worked, she at Jefferson City Produce Company. When Leo went into the Navy during World War II, Tulah went to work for Central Dairy. After ending his military service, Leo returned to Central Dairy as route supervisor, then general sales manager, and then general manager.

In 1961, Leon and coworker Wilbur Davis bought the business. Other than hard work, Leo said there are two secrets for success in the dairy business-make a quality produce using only the finest ingredients and then distribute the product quickly so that the customer can buy a fresh product.

While most people may think of Jefferson City as home of the state capitol, many others think of it as the ice cream capitol. Many travelers going through Jefferson City, as well as local residents, stop at Central Dairy on Madison Street, to select an ice cream treat from the many flavors on sale at a bargain price. The ice cream shop is part of a processing plant that produces the dairy products distributed in central Missouri.

Leo was a member of the First Baptist Church; the Lion’s Club; Jefferson Lodge 43, AF & AM; Moolah Temple Shrine, St. Louis; Capitol Shrine Club, Jefferson City; Chapter 436 Order of Eastern Star; Karim Khan Grotto; and the Missouri Golf Association.

Leo died in 1990.