[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 98 (Monday, July 25, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 25, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    KENDALL SIKES: CIVIC ROLE MODEL

                                 ______


                           HON. BILL EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 25, 1994

  Mr. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, communities all across America have 
outstanding sons and daughters who labor mightily, devotedly, 
unceasingly, often over a lifetime, to make those communities 
progressive, wholesome, desirable, safe and secure. These citizens are 
very often the largely unsung heroes and heroines that keep the fabric 
of our Nation knitted as tightly and as securely as it is; 
unfortunately we sometimes take them for granted or assume they will 
always be there, and fail to thank them for their labors or note their 
contributions until they have left us.
  Fortunately, Kendall Sikes was recognized by his community for his 
leadership and service and contributions, and he was loved by his 
community just as he loved it. His passing last month left a void in 
Sikeston, and Scott County and southeast Missouri. His hometown 
newspaper, the Sikeston Daily Standard Democrat paid him a beautiful 
tribute at the time of his death, and I include it following my 
remarks. I hope it will be an inspiration to young people, and to 
people all across our great country, who wonder if they, as 
individuals, can make a difference. Of course they can. Kendall Sikes 
would be an outstanding role model for anyone aspiring to civic 
leadership and an example to emulate.

              [From the Sikeston Daily Standard Democrat]

             Kendall Sikes Devoted Time, Talent to Sikeston

       The term ``civic leader'' is often overused these days. We 
     use the term to describe someone who has devoted their life 
     to improving their community. Yet the term must be earned--
     and it should not be bestowed easily.
       By any definition, Kendall Sikes was a civic leader. He 
     realized early in life that you have an obligation and a 
     responsibility to give back to the community. And he gave his 
     time, his talent and his devotion to this community. Sikeston 
     is clearly better because of his involvement. The same can be 
     said for few people these days. Kendall Sikes lived his 
     involvement each and every day of his life.
       It does no good to list the accomplishments of this 
     dedicated man. It's much easier to witness the progress that 
     he brought to the activities he touched. Missouri Delta 
     Community Hospital would most probably not enjoy the growth 
     and progress were it not for the countless hours Kendall 
     Sikes devoted. Few men, if any, served with the character and 
     skill on the city council as did Kendall Sikes. The Jaycees 
     would not have become a reality without the moving force that 
     Kendall Sikes possessed.
       Each day, Kendall Sikes was an example of what a small town 
     should be. In both leadership roles and behind the scenes, 
     Kendall Sikes worked tirelessly to improve his community. Can 
     you imagine where we would be if there were a dozen Kendall 
     Sikes in this community?
       Among our community's highest honors is the title Man of 
     the Year. Kendall Sikes received that title nearly 40 years 
     ago! Can you imagine that his list of accomplishments and his 
     love and devotion to this community spans that amount of 
     time? Other lesser men would have taken the accolades and 
     slipped into the background. Not Kendall Sikes. His was a 
     labor of love for a community that bears his name. His family 
     and friends can stand with understandable pride when Kendall 
     Sikes' name is mentioned. His legacy is stamped on dozens of 
     community projects that have brought pleasure and progress. 
     No greater compliment can be paid.
       Our community this week lost a leader. And a friend.

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