Harold L. Caskey served the people of the 31st District, which at the time included Bates, Cass, Henry, Johnson, St. Clair and Vernon counties. Born in Bates County, he graduated with honors from Central Missouri State University and earned his law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. He served as city attorney for the communities of Butler and Rich Hill and for three terms as Bates County prosecuting attorney. He was named University of Missouri School of Law Alumnus of 1999 and is the namesake for the YEARS OF SERVICE: Harold Caskey Freedom Award from the Missouri 1977-2004 Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. He was first elected to the Senate in 1976 and re-elected six times, retiring in 2004 due to term limits. Senator Caskey was selected by his peers to fulfill several Senate leadership roles, including majority floor leader, assistant majority floor leader, majority caucus chair and minority caucus chair. (Democrat)