Recognizing Joe Cooper

Floor Speech

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Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joe Cooper of Springfield, better known to a lot of folks as ``Joe the Barber.''

Joe has been cutting hair in Springfield since 1970 and has owned Cooper's Clippers since 1983. For five decades, Joe has cut hair. He has cut my hair. He has cut my father's hair. He has cut the hair of nearly everyone I know.

Joe has told jokes. He has told stories. They solve the problems of the world right there in the barber shop, and he has gotten to know generations of Springfield families.

He is also a huge Cardinals fan. Joe has accurately called the Dodgers the best team that money could buy. So if you are a Dodgers fan sitting in his chair, you may want to keep that to yourself until the haircut is finished.

Ask Joe what he will miss most, and his answer is simple: The people.

I congratulate Joe on 56 years behind the chair, and I thank him for being such a memorable part of the Springfield community. I wish him a joyous retirement, and go Cardinals.

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