[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 179 (Friday, November 8, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1409-E1410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE BOB MAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 8, 2019

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
longtime friend and mentor, Bob May, on his numerous achievements and 
contributions to our community, the State of Missouri, and our 
extraordinary country.
  Originally from Champaign, Illinois, Bob joined the United States 
Navy in 1953, where he served four years as an Electricians Mate on a 
U.S. Atlantic Fleet Destroyer. After his stint with the U.S. Navy, Bob 
began his career

[[Page E1410]]

with the United States Forest Service. In 1973, Bob accepted a position 
with the Rolla District Rangers, relocating to Missouri. After twenty-
eight years of employment with the USFS, Bob retired from federal 
service and turned his focus to representing his community at the state 
level.
  Bob was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, serving 
from 2001 to 2008. It was during this time that our paths first 
crossed. He gave me my first job in government as a legislative intern 
in Jefferson City where I saw firsthand how he always placed people 
over politics.
  Bob has been married to his loving wife Carlene for over 64 years. He 
and Carlene have been active members of the First Presbyterian Church 
since they moved to Rolla and he now serves as an Elder and is involved 
in the church in countless ways. Bob is the former President of the 
United Way and is also a founding member of the Community Partnership 
and the Rolla Public Schools Partnership in Education Committee. In 
addition, Bob is active in the Rolla Optimist Club, American Legion 
Post 270, Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 281, the Missouri 
Veterans Home Assistance League, and Prevention Consultants of 
Missouri. Following the passing of their 24-year-old son, Pat, after a 
battle with cancer, Bob and Carlene became active with Compassionate 
Friends, a support group for bereaved families of deceased children.
  Bob has had a profound impact on my life and I will always have the 
utmost respect for his political understanding, polite courage, and 
unwavering dedication to service. It is truly an honor to know this 
amazing person and call him a friend. I am privileged today to 
recognize Bob May before the United States House of Representatives.

                          ____________________