Former Mount Vernon Mayor Dick Mavis was born on Oct. 28, 1942.

Like his wife, Peggy, Mavis was raised in Danville, the son of a farmer and sporting goods retailer, the grandson of a railroad worker and Mount Vernon city policeman.

The 6'4 Mavis starred in football and basketball at Danville H.S.

He graduated from Otterbein College and taught two years in Wooster before moving back to Mount Vernon, where he would teach, coach and work at his father's sporting goods store, Mavis Sporting Goods, which was in downtown Mount Vernon from 1968-1994.

Mavis’ political career started in 1974, when he ran successfully for Knox County Commissioner. 

Mavis ran unsuccessfully for Mount Vernon Mayor in 1992 and was defeated for a fifth term as county commissioner, in 1994.

He tried again and was elected to his first term as mayor in 1995 and started in the office in 1996.

Mavis also ran, unsuccessfully, for state representative in 1983.