[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 9 (Monday, January 23, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E51]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              CHARLIE BARR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 23, 2012

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. 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.

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