Recognizing the Honorable Bob May

Floor Speech

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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 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.

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