Steve Dinkins Is New Du Quoin Postmaster

U.S. Postal Service Gateway District manager David Martin, acting on behalf of the Postmaster of the United States, has announced the appointment of Steve Dinkins, 55, as Du Quoin postmaster effective immediately.

He fills the vacancy created by the retirement earlier this year of Du Quoin Postmaster Jim Davis.

Dinkins is the son of Wayne and Joyce Dinkins, both retired.

Rev. Dinkins was a respected Du Quoin pastor and photographer. Steve's mother, Joyce, made the rare transition from rural postal carrier to postal administration and became the Postmaster at post offices in Tamaroa and Woodlawn before retiring.

The Davis vacancy was one of 25 or more key postal vacancies in the region at mid-year as many took advantage of retirement incentives the system provides.

Dinkins has a substantial postal background and is part of a legacy of postmasters who were either raised here or became wholly vested in the community.

The role of postmaster is one of the most respected positions in a community and a link between the federal government and the community. That role is historically so galvanized that the postal service has all but abandoned initiatives in recent years to close small post offices.

"A post office is a town's identity and that's the importance of maintaining them," said Dinkins.

The Dinkins family moved to Du Quoin in 1968. Steve is a 1975 graduate of the Du Quoin High School.

His postal career began on Dec. 1, 1979 as a rural carrier and he navigated through some of the decade's most blistery winters.

He transitioned into management roles beginning in 1999. He was named an officer in charge in April 2005 and later became postmaster in Christopher and Officer in Charge in Benton.

Wife Launa (Burroughs) is a registered nurse and has been a staff at Marshall Browning Hospital since 1984.

The couple has four children--all girls--Amber Lewis; Brittnee, who lives in Dallas; Hillary, a nursing student, and Kaydee, a junior at the Elverado High School.

Dinkins' appointment was effective Oct. 6, 2012. A date has not been set for his official swearing in ceremony.