Bill Human dies; helped create modern Clayton

Heres how Bill Human went from a young lieutenant aboard a Navy destroyer to become mayor of Clayton:

Mr. Human returned from the Navy in 1952 after serving during the Korean War. His father was an alderman in Clayton, who stepped aside so his son could take his place. The father owned the old Human Brothers Hardware Store in downtown Clayton.

The younger Human took his fathers seat but not for long. He resigned to become Claytons city attorney. Soon after, city officials asked him to take another post, heading the charter commission that came up with a new form of government for Clayton.

In 1959, he was chosen as the citys first mayor under the new charter.

He proudly recalled a meeting with Claytons restaurant owners during the early 1960s, when many St. Louis-area businesses remained segregated. He said he persuaded the owners to open their establishments to black patrons. That earned him a commendation from the American Civil Liberties Union.

Mr. Human died Sunday (March 9, 2014) at the Mari de Villa nursing home in Town and Country. He was 90 and had been diagnosed with liver cancer about three years ago, his family said Tuesday.

Mr. Human gave up elective office after serving two terms as Claytons mayor, from 1959-1963. He continued to serve the public in many appointed civic positions.

In Clayton, he helped set up a strong city-manager form of government. The mayor and Board of Aldermen appoint a professional manager, who in turn appoints the police and fire chiefs and other employees. The idea was to reduce political influence.

Mr. Human later adopted a similar model as chairman of the St. Louis County Charter Commission, which drafted the countys first charter. That document created an elective county executive, prosecuting attorney and County Council far fewer elected officials than in the city of St. Louis.

Mr. Human also was a member of the committee that helped create the charter for the Zoo-Museum District. He was the general counsel and helped create the St. Louis Science Center and what is now the St. Louis Regional Chamber.

Excerpt from:
Bill Human dies; helped create modern Clayton