To show their appreciation, the Granby Economic Development Committee and the city of Granby have embarked on a quest to honor one of their citizens, Allen Barbre.

Two of Barbre’s young local fans, Kathryn and Kendace Patterson, suggested the city erect signs at the city limits noting Granby as the home of Barbre of the Green Bay Packers. 

“The signs will be about 24 inches tall and 48 inches wide,” said Barry Flint, Granby’s Economic Development Committee chairperson. “We would like to purchase two, for east and west on Hwy. 60 as people come into Granby, but also from north and south into the city limits.

“All four entrances to Granby city limits are state highways, and state regulations have certain requirements for the signs. An estimate has been received placing the cost at about $3,000 for the four signs.”

Flint stated that the committee is attempting to raise the funds necessary to have these signs made and installed.

“The signs will be maintained by the Missouri Department of Transportation for 10 years,” Flint said.

Barbre played tackle on the East Newton Patriots football team, where he was a standout player under head coach Larry Bunn. He helped his team finish 9-2 and reach the sectional round of the Class 2 state playoffs as a senior. He was also named to the Missouri Class 2 All-State team. Following graduation, he attended Missouri Southern State University, playing left tackle. He was named Offensive Lineman of the Week five times and won the team’s Dudley Stegge Award as the Lions’ Offensive Lineman of the Year.

In 2007, Barbre became a fourth round draft pick for the Green Bay Packers, the first from MSSU to be drafted by the Packers. Currently, he is an offensive lineman for the team, which posted a 13-3 record this season.

His high school retired his jersey, No. 76, during a 2007 football game.

“We have set up a fund, ‘The Allen Barbre Fund,’ at Community Bank and Trust to accept donations,” Flint said. “We have $120 in our fund now. We don’t have a cut-off date and no fundraisers planned at this time. We probably will have a fundraiser later on.”

Flint recently spoke to Barbre and said that Barbre was very honored for this recognition.

“We are well pleased any time a Granby boy makes good,” said Flint.

Donations can be made at any CBT location. For more information, contact Flint at 472-3020.