Boone County News Release


Press Archives Press Room

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Michele Hall, Boone County Commission Administrative Coordinator
Phone: (573) 886-4312
Email: mhall@boonecountymo.org


Passing of Presiding Commissioner Ed Robb

September 26, 2011

Boone County officials wish to convey their deep sorrow at the loss of Boone County's Presiding Commissioner Ed Robb who unexpectedly passed away Saturday, September 24, 2011.

Ed was elected as Boone County's Presiding Commissioner on November 2, 2010 and was sworn in January 1, 2011.

Ed hit the ground running as Presiding Commissioner on January 1st after two terms as State Representative of Missouri's 24th District and after 30 years as a Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri. Ed also owned Edward H. Robb and Associates, an economics consulting firm.

In his short tenure as Presiding Commissioner, Ed was already making an impact in long-range budget planning and forecasting. County Auditor June Pitchford stated,

"Ed brought a unique perspective and personality to the County Commission; he was smart, insightful, and quick-witted. And while he was blunt and outspoken, he was also approachable and willing to tackle several rather messy and challenging issues. I respected him for this."

Ed's ability to look at budgets and sort through all the different county funds and revenue sources was a unique. He worked diligently to finalize a revenue sharing formula with all of Boone County's municipalities. Ed also was actively involved in several large projects including the 2012 budget, new management structure at the Boone County Fairgrounds and finalizing the updates on Boone County's subdivision regulations. Ed was always looking at ways to make the county operate more efficiently. Southern District Commissioner Karen Miller said,

"Ed will have left his fingerprints on many important projects here in Boone County. His legacy will be the Boone County Fairgrounds."

Ed's fellow county officials and employees express their sympathy to the Robb family - especially his wife Rosa, their children Tom Robb of Nashville, TN, Adam Robb of Kansas City, Shaun Schleeter of Harrisburg, David Schleeter of Hallsville and Melissa James of Winston-Salem, NC. Ed also leaves behind a sister, Carolyn Kraabel and husband Bob of Niles, MI and six grand children.

Visitation will be held at Parker Funeral Home (Downtown Columbia) on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, September 29, 2011 at the funeral home.

We ask that all Boone Countians keep his family in their thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.



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