"It’s been a great opportunity to serve the Branson community in this way. However, I feel there are other opportunities where I can serve,” said VanGilder. “It’s time to close this chapter of my life and see what the next chapter brings. My sincere appreciation and thanks to the city of Branson for all the support it has given to me all these years.”

VanGilder heads the largest department in the city -- 68 employees -- and is the longest-serving public works director in the city’s history. He's proud of the major projects he spearheaded during his 26 years as public works director during the biggest growth years in Branson’s history.

They include:
--Construction and two expansions of the Compton Drive Wastewater Treatment Plant
--Constructing a second water and wastewater treatment facility on Fall Creek Road.
--Installing phosphorus removal equipment on wastewater treatment plants; the first Missouri city to do so.
-- Installing sewer services all the way to Table Rock Dam where the city limits now extend
--Establishing a recycle center in Branson
--Installing curb and guttering in neighborhoods
--Constructing the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area trails.

VanGilder’s experience landed him on several local and state public works’ boards. He served 12 years on the Missouri State Solid Waste Advisory Board, including two years as chairman. He spent eight years as chairman of the Region N Solid Waste District and also served on the Taney County Sewer Board for five years.

VanGilder said his biggest accomplishment was managing the growth of the city, especially during the 1990s, and keeping up with the water and wastewater systems.

“We had so much new construction in the early 1990s and businesses wanting to connect to our sewer system that we considered a moratorium on construction until we could expand our only wastewater plant at that time,” he said. “However, we were able to expand the plant and add new customers without much interruption. We built new water and wastewater plants in 1995 and 1996 thanks to the tourism tax passed by voters.”

He has worked for seven city administrators and numerous mayors and boards of aldermen throughout his Branson career and feels that he has always maintained a good relationship.

“My years in Branson have been a very rewarding experience,” VanGilder said. “It’s also been good for my family to have a stable upbringing in one city.”

As public works director, VanGilder worked the closest with city engineer David Miller, who credits VanGilder for helping him accomplish all of the capital projects in the city.

“Larry’s knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the Branson infrastructure is amazing,” said Miller. “He is a walking encyclopedia of information on everything that has been built in Branson.”

Miller said VanGilder’s relationship with his employees and citizens was more than just professional.

“When any employee or citizen that he knew was hospitalized or ill, they could always depend on Larry stopping by to see how they were doing and offer to help in any way possible,” said Miller

After leaving the city in January, VanGilder wants to hook up his camper and winter in Arizona. He also plans to spend more time with aging parents in Lamar, his hometown.