Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Rep. Sam Graves

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to recognize the exceptional service and leadership of Charles L. Bar III on his retirement from a long and successful career in Clay County, Missouri government.

A graduate of the University of Missouri, Charlie served as Athletic Supervisor for the St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Department and was responsible for the management of numerous Buchanan county amenities and projects. In 1987, he became Clay County's Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites, and supervised the enhancement and construction of new recreational facilities. He also oversaw countless special functions, from races and concerts to historical site events.

More recently, Charlie served as Assistant County Administrator, handling the oversight of purchasing activities and staff, and then became the overall Director of Parks and Recreation. There, he expertly managed over 5,000 acres of park land, 34 miles of trail, a 7200-acre lake, and a large staff dedicated to assisting Clay County citizens and maintaining the county's public spaces. Finally, having spent the past few months as Interim County Administrator, Charlie retires after 34 years of outstanding service.

Charlie's hard work has not gone unrecognized. A member of the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association, Charlie received the Fellow Award, the Association's highest honor. He has also received Mizzou's Eye of the Tiger alumni award and numerous recognitions from the YMCA, the city of St. Joseph, and Clay County.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in commending Charlie Barr for his dedicated service to the people of Clay County. I know Charlie's colleagues, family and friends join with me in thanking him for his commitment to others and wishing him happiness and good health in his retirement.