Fred Douglas Shurn Award
The Fred Douglas Shurn award is the highest Award that is awarded to any family member. The award is awarded annually at the reunion. This award began in 1997 at the St. Louis Family Reunion and was immediately adopted as an annual event. This award is given to a family member who has displayed longevity in support of the reunion, outstanding morale character within the family and community within they live and Christian spirit and leadership. The award is named after Fred Douglas Shurn, know to most family members as uncle "Doug". He and his wife Lilly made their home in Benton Harbor, Michigan for most of their adult life. They had no children from their marriage. Uncle Doug was one of the founding Shurn members and was the key force that kept the organization going in the early years. The early Family Reunion "Book" which contained the financial records, minuets, and address records was carefully maintained under the stewardship of "Uncle Doug". Each year the reunion host chapter decides who shall be awarded this award. The award may not be awarded to any family member within the host chapter.