House Resolution 13

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE HONORABLE ROBERT ROWE FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE AS MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CHARLESTON, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, the Honorable Robert Rowe, former longtime Mayor of Charleston, Mississippi, humbly retired from office on September 30, 2013, after faithfully serving at the helm of city government for nearly 30 years; and

WHEREAS, an active leader in the city fondly known as the "Gateway to the Delta" long before beginning his lengthy tenure as mayor, Mr. Robert Rowe officially began his public service to the City of Charleston in 1972 as a city commissioner, a seat he loyally held until his election as mayor in 1985; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Mr. Robert Rowe, highly respected for his natural leadership abilities and wisdom in local governmental matters, has been selected by his peers in various regional and state organizations to serve in positions of leadership, including President of the North Mississippi Mayors Association in 2011-2012 and member of the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Municipal League as well as the Board of Directors for the North Delta Planning and Development District; and

WHEREAS, while Mr. Robert Rowe's official service to his hometown may have ended last September, the active octogenarian remains committed to bettering his community by selflessly volunteering his time to local civic organizations, including the Charleston Rotary Club, which he currently serves as president; and

WHEREAS, when not engaged in the city's official business over the last forty-plus years, Mr. Robert Rowe earned a living as the local barber in the City of Charleston, a profession that afforded him endless opportunities to seek input from the many patrons who sat in his barber chair on the issues of the day and ways to improve and spark growth in the community; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his warm personality and easy-going leadership style, Mr. Robert Rowe, a faithful and active member of the Charleston Church of God, is blessed with a beautiful singing voice, which, combined with his family's talents, has been a source of inspiration to untold numbers of believers whose spirits have been uplifted through the family's live performances and recordings of favorite old time gospel hymns; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Robert Rowe has been lovingly supported throughout the years in all his personal and professional endeavors by his devoted wife, Mildred; and their four children, Bob, Robbie, Daphne and Ginger; grandchildren, Sidney and Hallie; and great-grandson, Brayer; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor remarkable selfless and dedicated Mississippians such as former Mayor Robert Rowe, whose legacy of public service to the City of Charleston, exemplified by fairness, perseverance and wise judgment spanning over four decades, may serve as an example to all citizens of the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the Honorable Robert Rowe, former longtime Mayor of the City of Charleston, for his many dedicated years of exceptional public service to his local community and our state, and express to him heartfelt wishes for many relaxing days filled with peace and joy throughout a long and prosperous retirement.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Robert Rowe and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.