17 May 2005

Governor Sebelius reappoints three to Unmarked Burial Sites Preservation Board

Governor Kathleen Sebelius today announced her reappointment of Ginger Barr, Ron McCoy and Harold Reed to the Unmarked Burial Sites Preservation Board. All three were appointed to three-year terms.

This board provides maintains a registry of unmarked burial sites in the state.

“The rich history of past generations of Kansans must continue to be recognized and maintained,” Governor Sebelius said. “These individuals have been key to this effort and I am pleased to reappoint them to the board.”

Barr, Auburn, is president of the Graceland and Fairlawn Funeral Home and Cemeteries in Decatur, Illinois. She has also served as vice president of Maplewood/Memorial Law Cemeteries in Emporia and vice president of Topeka Cemetery in Topeka. Barr has served as president of the Kansas Cemetery Association, director and secretary of the National Association of Cemeteries and president of the Illinois Cemetery Association. She is a former state representative and served as chairman of the Federal and State Affairs Committee.

McCoy, Ph.D., Emporia, is a professor of history at Emporia State University. In 2003, he was the recipient of the Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor Award. McCoy is the author of several award-winning publications including “The Fine Young Chief: Native America’s Coyote on the Colorado Plateau,” “Circles of Power: American Indian Shields of the Southwest and Great Plains,” and “Tim McCoy Remembers the West.”

Reed, Salina, owned and operated Central Millwork & Supply, Inc. until his retirement. He has been a member of the Kansas Anthropological Society since 1967 and is a life member of the Kansas State Historical Society. As president of the Kansas Anthropological Society, Reed worked with Thomas Witty, state archeologist in 1975, to develop the Kansas Archeological Training Program.