KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A man who spent 20 years serving Independence as a councilman and mayor has died.
Don Reimal was 78.
The city announced his death Wednesday in a news release.
Reimal served as city councilman from 1994 to 2006.
He was elected mayor in 2006 and served two terms, retiring in 2014.
"Mayor Reimal possessed a deep passion for the community and worked tirelessly through his 2 decades of public service on on behalf of the citizens of Independence," Mayor Eileen Weir said in a statement released by the city. "He had a particular love for our city's history and dedicated himself to preserving our historic treasures and stories. Mayor Reimal has left an indelible mark on Independence through his steady leadership, significant projects he saw to completion, and especially through his kindness and empathy to everyone he encountered."
The Harry S Truman Award Commission selected Reimal for the 2018 Special Recognition Award.
The annual award is given for significant service to the city.
