[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 41 (Friday, March 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO LILLIAN MAE BRECKEL

                                 ______


                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 22, 1996

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
loyal Democrat and community volunteer, Lillian Mae Breckel of Tyler, 
TX, who died recently at the age of 92. She devoted a lifetime of 
service to the causes she embraced--particularly the Smith County 
Democratic Party and her church--and she leaves behind a legacy of 
accomplishment and a loving family.
  Mrs. Breckel was an active member of the Smith County Democrats. She 
served on the party's membership committee, was an alternate delegate 
to State conventions, and was a member of the Women's Democratic 
Organization. She believed so completely in the democratic process that 
she was willing to place her name on the ballot, running for State 
representative from District IV and as a candidate for the Tyler City 
Council and mayor. It is testimony to her devotion that officers of the 
Smith County Democratic Party served as honorary pallbearers at her 
funeral.
  She also was devoted to her church. She helped organize Trinity 
Baptist Church, York Baptist Church, and Dill City First Baptist 
Church. She was church pianist for each of these churches, taught 
Sunday School, and also served as chairman of the finance committee of 
the Smith County Baptist Association.
  Her community involvement extended to other worthwhile causes. She 
served on the volunteer council for Denton State School and served as 
past-president of the American Businesswomen's Association, past oracle 
of Royal Neighbors of America, and past noble grand of Tyler Rebekah 
Lodge 142.
  Wherever she volunteered her talents, Mrs. Breckel's presence was 
felt--and will be missed. Most of all, her pride and happiness came 
from her family--some of whom visited with me and Mary Ellen in our 
Rockwall home. She is survived by her son, Henry Austin Breckel of 
Dallas; daughter and son-in-law, Kathlea and Richard Florey of Tyler; 
three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, on 
behalf of her family and many friends who loved her, I ask my 
colleagues to join me today in paying our last respects to this 
outstanding citizen--Lillian Mae Breckel.

                          ____________________