[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 16 (Thursday, January 26, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E186-E187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       TRIBUTE TO W.M. PETE RODES

                                 ______


                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 26, 1995
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to 
a good friend and outstanding citizen, W.M. ``Pete'' Rodes, who 
[[Page E187]] passed away recently at the age of 89. Pete was a banker 
and community leader in the Rains County town of Emory, TX. He was 
devoted to his family, his community, his church, and to politics.
  Pete was born in Emory and spent a lifetime helping to make this 
small town of about 1,000 people a better place in which to live. After 
beginning his banking career in 1927 with North Texas National Bank in 
Dallas and the Republic National Bank, he assumed the management of the 
First National Bank in Emory in 1939 at his father's request. He served 
as President until his retirement in 1980.
  Pete was instrumental in purchasing the city's first firetruck and 
establishing the city's cemetery and homeless shelter. His son, David 
Stuart Rodes of Los Angeles, said that his father considered his public 
works to be his biggest accomplishments. Pete was active in the Emory 
United Methodist Church, and David acknowledged what many of us knew--
that Pete had a lot of moral influence in the community, and he used 
it--including being active in racial integration of the school system 
and the county.
  Pete also was active in the Democratic Party. He served as a delegate 
to several national Democratic conventions and was member of the 
presidential Electoral College in 1964. Though he was never interested 
in running for office, he believed in the power of politics to improve 
the quality of life. Pete was Mr. Rains County--and his support of 
Congressman and Speaker Sam Rayburn, as well as his support of Mr. 
Rayburn's successor, Congressman Ray Roberts, and the wonderful support 
that he gave to me following Speaker Rayburn and Congressman Roberts--
always was reflected at the polls. Those who knew Pete best always 
listened to him--and honored his choice and savored his friendship.
  Pete's presence was felt in every facet of community life in Emory--
in the city's economy, in public service, in politics, in education, 
and in the church. His presence will be greatly missed by those who 
knew him and by those who benefited from his devotion to his community 
and his country.
  When I think of Pete, Mr. Speaker, I think of that tradition of 
Americans whose indefatigable and selfless spirit helped make this 
country great--people like Pete who have worked tirelessly for the 
common good in small towns and cities all across America. Their 
individual efforts not only have benefited those in their immediate 
community but also are part of the collective American spirit that 
unites and inspires all of us. The memory of Pete's spirit will inspire 
others to look beyond themselves and help their fellow man in whatever 
capacity they can. It is perhaps this legacy that ultimately will be 
greater than the individual contributions that Pete made.
  Pete will be missed by his wife, Lillian Whittington Rodes, his son, 
David, and his daughter, Judith Rodes Johnson. He will be missed by all 
those who knew him and respected him. Though other Members of this body 
did not personally know him, Mr. Speaker, I'm sure that they know those 
like him in their own communities. So as we adjourn today, let us join 
together in paying our last respects to this exemplary man--W.M. 
``Pete'' Rodes of Emory, TX.


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