Triplett honored with A.C. Burrows Award
The late William “Bill” Triplett, a former director for Tri-County Electric Cooperative, was posthumously honored with the A.C. Burrows Award by Missouri Electric Cooperatives at its annual meeting Sept. 30 in Branson. Tri-County Electric was proud to ensure this well-deserved recognition was presented to his family in honor of his years of dedicated service.
The purpose of the award is to recognize directors and employees of electric cooperatives for outstanding service to their cooperative, community and service areas. Those who received the award were selected because of their leadership above and beyond the call of duty to strengthen and improve the economic and social conditions in their areas.
Triplett was elected to the Tri-County Electric Cooperative Board in 2007 and served as treasurer from 2008 to 2025, providing steady financial oversight and a strong voice for the membership. He was deeply committed to professional development through NRECA, earning Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership and Director Gold credentials while continuing to pursue additional training. A member of Omaha Baptist Church, Triplett also served on the Putnam County Fair Board and Thompson Cemetery Board and volunteered with 4-H, where he was known for never missing a food stand shift. He spent more than 30 years as a farrier and was a lifelong rancher and cattleman, bringing valuable real-world perspective to his cooperative service. He was respected for his integrity, humility and work ethic and for always putting others first.
The award is named for the late A.C. Burrows of Van Buren, Mo., who rose through the ranks to become general manager of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, the statewide service organization for Missouri’s electric cooperatives. Burrows served in this position from 1968 to 1976. He was recognized as an outstanding leader in rural electrification and as a distinguished individual who dedicated his life to helping others.
Missouri Electric Cooperatives is the Jefferson City-based statewide service organization for Missouri’s electric cooperatives.