[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 16 (Thursday, January 26, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO DON BLACKETER

                                 ______


                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 26, 1995
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding citizen from the Fourth Congressional District of Texas, 
Don Blacketer of the Harmon-Dial community. Mr. Blacketer died December 
14, 1994, at the age of 75 at the Sam Rayburn Memorial VA Center in 
Bonham. Funeral services were held at McKenzie United Methodist Church 
in Honey Grove, where he was a member, and burial was at the 
Presbyterian Cemetery in Ladonia.
  Born on September 27, 1919, in Leonard, TX, Don Blacketer was the son 
of Marcus Anderson Blacketer and Julia Mae Mullins Blacketer. He was a 
World War II veteran, serving his country in the United States Army 
under General George S. Patton's command in Europe. Following the war 
he married Perry Lillianell McCowan in the Dial community and 
distinguished himself in farming and ranching. Mr. Blacketer was a 
member of the producers board of the American Soybean Association and 
was past president of the Texas Soybeans Association. He appeared 
before our congressional committees to share his knowledge and to give 
his testimony. I was always proud to introduce him to the Congress--and 
to claim him as a constituent and as a friend.
  Mr. Blacketer also devoted himself to helping improve the quality of 
life in the Dial community. He was instrumental in efforts to find 
funding to upgrade the community's water supply system and took the 
time to contact my office and other government officials concerning 
possible grant and loan programs for this project. He was a concerned 
citizen and a man who cared enough about his community to act on his 
concerns.
  Mr. Blacketer is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Pam 
Blacketer of Rockwall; a sister, Madyelene Pritchett of Sherman; and 
two granddaughters, Rachel and Sarah Blacketer of Rockwall. He will be 
missed by his family and by his many friends, and his contributions to 
the Harmon-Dial community will not be forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay a final tribute to this 
exemplary citizen, Don Blacketer, who distinguished himself in his 
service to his country, his community, and his family.


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