[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 96 (Tuesday, June 13, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1231-E1232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        LEAH McCANDLESS TRIBUTE

                                 ______


                          HON. BILL RICHARDSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 1995
  Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, one of our Nation's unsung heros is 
celebrating yet another milestone. Mrs. Leah McCandless is turning 95 
years old this week.
  While many of my colleagues may not know Mrs. McCandless, House and 
Senate members who have had to run for office representing Hobart, OK 
know Mrs. McCandless very well. It has become a sort of ritual for 
candidates to stop by her home for some pie and [[Page E1232]] coffee 
and a nice chat. Every politician stops by the McCandless home hoping 
to receive her blessing.
  Her word goes a long way back in Hobart. She is the matriarch of the 
community--a real force back home. She counsels her fellow citizens and 
offers longtime wisdom on everything from marriage to divorce.
  But it is her lifelong devotion to her children that makes her most 
proud. She raised five sons--three of whom served in World War II--and 
she is proud and delighted to tell you about them.
  Her oldest son, Bill, was a successful businessman before his death. 
He also served in the Johnson administration working as co-chair of 
Ozarks Regional Development. Jack is retired vice president of Gates 
Corporation of Denver. Earl is a retired Army Colonel who served as 
social aide to President Kennedy and is an accomplished musician. John 
is a successful attorney in Oklahoma City and served in the Army's 
Counter Intelligence Corps. Bob worked for Senator Robert S. Kerr, 
directed Senator Humphrey's 1968 presidential bid and is now a 
prominent attorney in our Nation's Capital.
  Mrs. McCandless also has worked tirelessly on behalf of her 
Presbyterian Church. She has been active for some 80 years and has 
served many roles at the Church.
  It is with great pleasure that I urge my colleagues to join me in 
paying special tribute to this outstanding woman, mother, neighbor, 
community leader, political advisor, and unsung hero. Mrs. McCandless 
has helped make this country great and we owe her our thanks and 
admiration.


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