Good deeds often are done off the radar. Out of sight of the community. Appreciated by those they touch, but often unheralded.

And for good reason. The doers of these good deeds aren’t looking for recognition. They are looking to make their community a better place.

Partnering with a host of sponsors, The Mexico Ledger introduces our first of what we hope will be many Hidden Heroes, telling the story of area residents who make volunteerism a way of life.

With that, meet Mark DeJaynes, the inaugural Hidden Hero. When presented his hero cape Friday morning with the help of Barb Wilson and Dana Keller, DeJaynes was quick to point out that he doesn’t seek recognition for what he does. It was a presentation made without warning, leaving him speechless.

“I’m really very shocked,” DeJaynes said.

Wilson and Keller were two who nominated DeJaynes for the honor; they are both well aware of his stance on contributing quietly.

“Mark is the best example of the quiet ‘do-gooder,’ said Keller. “We all have something to give, talents to share. Most of us aren't as mindful as Mark to ‘do unto others’.”

A resident since 1991, DeJaynes said he initially had no intention of staying in Mexico, but the community won him over.

“It was a good town,” he said, “with so many great people.”

DeJaynes is owner of A Marked Salon, the third salon he’s owned since he entered the industry in 1995. But when he’s not at the salon, he stays active with a number of efforts. 

To name some of them: Miss Missouri; Look Good, Feel Better; Back to School Health Fair; the Jellybean Conspiracy; stylist for Presser Arts; serving as a deacon at First Presbyterian Church; serving as as the chair of Pastoral Care; Village Square Association; Walk Back in Time; Audrain County Historical Society; Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce; Give Cancer the Boot; foster parenting; and almost certainly, more.

“He supports cancer patients with hair loss,”and donates to nearly every event. I am certain there is more, he is a quiet giver and supporter,” said Wilson.

As for the Back to School Health Fair, DeJaynes found an eager audience for his free hair cuts, with 150 youth taking part.

“It was a lot of fun,” he said.

Volunteering has taken the form of doing hair and makeup, cooking, providing physical labor and decorating at most of these events. Each cause has a special place in his heart. At last count, he’s helped with 27 Presser productions, and some of the things he does are simple - but touching -  gestures. 

Like sending greeting cards.

“I try to send a card every day,” he says. “It’s nice to get something in the mail that isn’t a bill or a request for something. And it’s nice to know someone thinks about you.”

Giving back is just a way of life now, and as time passes, it seems to get more important. And it’s just a way of giving back to the community he loves.

“As I get older, I’m appreciating things a lot more,” he  said. “Mexico has given me so much. I think it’s only right you give back.”

As for being the first Hidden Hero?

“I think this is so lovely and I’m so grateful,” he said. “But this is not why I do what I do.”

Do you know someone who volunteers their time to be a hero to others? Submit your nomination to: https://mexicoledger.com/hiddenhero/ .