[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 204 (Tuesday, December 19, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2414-E2415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ANDREW GIBBS

                                 ______


                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 19, 1995

  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding 
East Texan, Andrew James Gibbs of Mabank, TX, who died recently at the 
age of 79. Andrew Gibbs was a dear friend and long-time business and 
civic leader of Mabank who devoted a lifetime to the betterment of his 
community.
  Born on January 11, 1916, in Elm Grove, to J. Cullen and Ella 
Higginbotham, Andrew grew up in Elm Grove and married his hometown 
sweetheart, Arlene McAfee. At the age of 19, he began working at Tri-
County Ford and at 

[[Page E2415]]
his father's bank. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy and 
then returned to Mabank, where he purchased Tri-County Ford and raised 
cattle.
  During the following years and until his death, he was a prosperous 
businessman who also devoted much of his time and energy to his 
community. He was active in virtually every civic activity in the 
region. He served as president of the Chamber of Commerce, Mabank 
Industrial Foundation, and Cedar Creek Hospital Board; member of the 
Mabank Independent School District Board of Trustees and the Trinity 
River Improvement Association; chairman of the board of Elm Grove 
Methodist Church and Elm Grove Cemetery Committee; president of Mabank 
Roping and Riding Club and organizer and president of the Cedar Creek 
Country Club and was a Mason with Roddy Blue Lodge. In 1977 he was 
named Citizen of the Year by Henderson, Kaufman, and Van Zandt counties 
in recognition of his extraordinary contributions.

  Andrew also was an ardent supporter of higher education in the area. 
In 1970 he was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Henderson County 
Junior College, now Trinity Valley Community College. During his 20-
year tenure and as board president, he saw enrollment grow from 1,000 
to almost 5,000 students and the college expand from the Athens campus 
to Palestine, Terrell, and Kaufman campuses. On April 6, 1995, the 
Andrew Gibbs Academic Building was dedicated--a fitting tribute to his 
leadership, dedication, and countless hours of service on behalf of the 
college.
  Andrew is survived by his wife, Alene; daughters, Andrea and Bettie, 
sons-in-law, and grandchildren, plus numerous friends and associates. 
He also leaves behind a powerful legacy of public service--a legacy of 
generosity and dedication to his family and his community. As the local 
newspaper, The Monitor, stated, ``Men of his stature are often referred 
to as `pillars of the community.' Andrew Gibbs was more than that, he 
was the foundation.''
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay a final tribute to this 
outstanding American and my good friend, Andrew Gibbs, whose life was 
an inspiration to all those who knew him and whose memory will survive 
for future generations.

                          ____________________