Today astronaut Tom Akers was born in St. Louis. He grew up in Eminence and graduated from Eminence High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1973 and 1975, respectively. Eventually Colonel Akers made four trips into space.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.

Photo by NASA Hubble Space Telescope.