State Rep. Elect Patricia Pike to Continue Legacy of Service Started by Her Husband‏

Patricia Pike

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – When the members of the 98th General Assembly take the oath of office on Wednesday, Jan. 7, state Rep. Elect Patricia Pike will continue the legacy of public service created by her husband, Randy, who tragically passed away in September of 2014. After being appointed by the Republican Committee to run in Randy’s place, Pike won the November general election to serve as the state representative for District 126, which includes Vernon and Bates counties.

Pike said her husband’s dedication to public service and desire to help people inspired her to follow in his footsteps as a state representative.

“Randy's passion for service certainly inspired me and will be forever in my heart. It was always an honor to accompany him to district and state events,” said Pike, who noted that she often read and discussed legislation with her husband as he decided how best to represent the interests of the people of the district.

She added, “Randy served as an elected official for a total of fourteen years, as county commissioner and then state representative, so I have many fond memories of visiting with constituents and attending events with him. It was a wonderful way to become acquainted with our District, and a great experience that has better prepared me to take over his responsibilities.”

Now, as Pike looks to her future as a state representative, she also takes time to reflect on the man who shared her life and put her on this path to public service.

"We had a wonderful love story. We met through a blind date our senior year of high school. It really was a blind date, because right before I opened the front door to meet him, I decided to take off my black, winged 70's glasses. We had a great time, but I am not sure I would have recognized him the next day if I would have met him on the street! I talked my mom into contacts and the rest was history,” Pike said. She added, “We went on to be college sweethearts and were married forty years. We had two great children, interesting careers and a happy life together."

Pike said she knows she has big shoes to fill as she steps into the role her husband occupied for the last two years. He was well-regarded by his colleagues as a conscientious and compassionate individual who worked hard to represent the people of his district. Pike said she hopes to emulate his approach to service, and to use the many lessons he taught her about the legislative process to benefit the people of the 126th district.

"It will be an honor to follow the many fine Representatives who have been elected before me in this position,” Pike said. “I look forward to serving the great citizens of District 126 and representing our western part of Missouri."

Pike and the other members of the 98th General Assembly will take the oath of office in the House Chamber of the Missouri State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at noon.