[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 113 (Thursday, July 13, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             IN MEMORY OF EDWARD CHARLES BEDDINGFIELD, SR.

                                 ______


                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 13, 1995
  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express the sorrow of the 
people of Decatur and the 19th District at the passing of Mr. Edward C. 
Beddingfield. Ed's passing is a great loss to all that knew him, and 
the community he devoted his life to helping.
  Ed worked for the Pontiac Division of General Motors for 11 years, 
and dreamed of one day owning his own automobile business. In 1989, Mr. 
Beddingfield's dream came true when he purchased a Buick dealership in 
Decatur, IL, and with much ambition and hard work, Edward turned his 
dealership into a thriving and successful business.
  Mr. Speaker, Ed was involved in many things to help make his 
community a better place to work and live. He was a Millikin University 
Trustee, a Decatur sanitary district commissioner, and a pillar of the 
National Association of the Advancement of Colored People. He also 
served as president of Webster-Cantrell Hall's board of directors and 
on the boards of the First National Bank and the Metro Decatur Chamber 
of Commerce. In addition, he touched the lives of many children 
throughout central Illinois through his work with the Y.M.C.A., the 
Boys Club & Girls Club, and the Decatur-Macon County Opportunities 
Corp.'s summer jobs program.
  Mr. Ed Beddingfield was a true example of a public servant. Mr. 
Speaker, Ed Beddingfield will not be forgotten. His everlasting love, 
commitment, and dedication serves as a living monument to his family, 
friends, and neighbors. I want to take this opportunity to offer my 
condolences to all the people that knew and loved this fine man.


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