Greensburg in Kiowa County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
2007 Greensburg EF5 Tornado
Our Friends, Neighbors, and Relatives
That perished in the Tornado of
May 4, 2007, Greensburg, Kansas
In Loving Memory
Claude Hopkins, 79 Larry Hoskins, 51
Evelyn Kelly, 75 David Lyon, 48
Colleen Panzer, 77 Ron Rediger, 57
Harold Schmidt, 77 Sarah Tackett, 72
Beverly Volz, 52 Richard Fry, 62
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On the night of May 4, 2007, 95 percent of our homes and businesses were destroyed by a massive EF5 tornado that was nearly 2 miles wide.
Although this storm was devastating to our community, we are presented with an incredible opportunity to show the world our strength and to create a new future for those who will live here. We strongly believe that we will be back, better than ever, and will be a model for rural America. This water tower is more than just a landmark - it is a tribute to our belief.
Constructed 2008
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[The following marker is inside the Big Well Museum]
On the night of May 4, 2007, the City of Greensburg Kansas was devastated by a large and powerful EF5 tornado. In a matter of a few chaotic minutes, nearly all of the city was leveled; the remainder was severely damaged. Twelve people lost their lives; hundreds more were injured.
This plaque is presented to the City of Greensburg by MESO, the Multi-community Environmental Storm Observatory, who arrived minutes after the tornado struck to assist with triage, search & rescue, communication, and consoling the victims.
MESO wishes to honor and remember those who perished and suffered that night, and the brave men and women who shed their blood, sweat, and tears to help the city and its people recover from their tragedy. You are forever in our memories and in our hearts.
In Remembrance of
Robert Tim Buckman Richard Fry Claude Hopkins Larry Hoskins Evelyn Kelly David Lyon Max McColm Colleen Panzer Ron Rediger Harold Schmidt Sarah Tackett Beverly Volz
Erected by the City of Greensburg.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1951.
Location. 37° 36.218′ N, 99° 17.673′ W. Marker is in Greensburg, Kansas, in Kiowa County. Markers and water tower are on the grounds of the Big Well Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 315 South Sycamore Street, Greensburg KS 67054, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ball from Big Well of Greensburg (a few steps from this marker); Greensburg City Hall (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); S. D. Robinett Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away); Cannonball Stage Line Highway (approx. 1.1 miles away); Buried Treasure in the Heartland (approx. 10.4 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Greensburg, KS EF5 Tornado of May 4, 2007. Highways & Hailstones website entry (Submitted on January 9, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. 2007 Greensburg Tornado Radar Images. YouTube video (Submitted on May 9, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,347 times since then and 148 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 9, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.