Tourism committee hears bill to name stretch of U.S. 60 in Neosho the Lloyd Memorial Highway

Representative Ben Baker, R‑160th District of Newton County, asked the Special Committee on Tourism to designate a segment of U.S. Highway 60 in Neosho as the “Lloyd Memorial Highway” to honor his daughter Natalie and his son‑in‑law Davey Lloyd, who were killed while serving as missionaries in Haiti.

The bill, introduced as House Bill 810, would name the portion of U.S. 60 between Kodiak Road and Cemetery Road in Neosho. "I never thought in a million years I would be doing something like this," Representative Ben Baker said, explaining that the chosen stretch ends at the cemetery where Natalie and Davey are buried and that his family intends to fund the signs by private donation.

Baker described Natalie and Davey’s work with Mission of Hope in Haiti and read a brief note from Natalie; he also told the committee the couple cared little for attention but ‘‘were the epitome of selflessness.’’ He said the couple cared for as many as 60 children through their church and school in Haiti and that honoring their service was a way to keep their memory alive. "I want to live intentionally in the light of eternity," Baker quoted from Davey and used the phrase to explain the couple’s commitment.

Committee members offered condolences and support during the hearing. Chairman Sykes expressed sympathy, saying the committee was "grieved for your loss," and members from both parties described the measure as nonpartisan and worthy of support. Representative Fountain Henderson and Representative Reed asked logistical questions about the proposed length and placement; Baker estimated the stretch at "probably 4 or 5 miles, but probably not more than 5." Representative Reed and others noted the bill’s bipartisan tone and offered support, and Representative Dornell said he had signed on as a cosponsor.

Baker told the committee the cost of signage and related expenses would come from private donations and that he would publicize fundraising in the community and among friends who had responded with support. He also relayed guidance he had received from the Missouri Department of Transportation: "They said that you can't use 2 names, but it could be, like, a last name and then memorial. And so that's what we ended up going with," he told the committee, explaining the designation would use the family surname only.

The committee opened the hearing on House Bill 810, received no in‑person witnesses for or against the bill, and took no vote during the session. The chair closed the hearing and adjourned with no further business recorded. The sponsor indicated he would continue to pursue private funding for signs and related costs; no formal direction to staff or subsequent committee action was recorded during the hearing.