John Paul Strother was a longtime Southern Iowa highway contractor and civic leader. He established the Wapello County Foundation in 1981 to provide for the future well being of the citizens of Wapello County, and income earned by the foundation is given as charitable grants each year. The City of Eldon benefited significantly from his generosity. A former employee and friend, Loren Fligg, said, "He was a man of integrity and a man of his word and a handshake was a contract for him."